After the discovery of sinkholes and underground voids related to old, abandoned mines, I-80 has been closed for weeks in both directions near Wharton.

The sinkholes have led to more than snarled traffic on local roads and hurt local business, they’ve also dominated conversation around Wharton.

“It’s the only thing anybody’s talking about around here,” said Yazan Muheisen, co-owner of Pop’s Bagel Shop. “They walk in, and it’s like ‘ugh, the traffic.’ That’s what’s on everybody’s mind nowadays. … Everybody’s aggravated, and we’re just ready for things to get back open.”

“A standard five-minute commute to work is now twenty minutes. And it’s crazy. It’s like I’m literally just crossing the street, but it takes you twenty minutes,” said Chris Arthur, a Wharton resident.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation initially anticipated that two westbound lanes would reopen mid-May, but the agency has revised that estimate to late May.

“I’m not surprised. I thought it was really wishful thinking, the dates that they were giving out at first,” said Wharton resident Mateo Cuartas.

“I know the guys up there are working twenty-four hours a day and they’re working really hard. It’s not their fault. But then when they announced that the timeline was pushed back, I was very frustrated,” said Peter Sedereas, co-owner of Townsquare Diner in Wharton. “We knew this was going to happen.”

Businesses like Pop’s Bagel Shop and Townsquare Diner say their losses due to the glut of traffic outside their doors are substantial. The owners of both local favorites have applied for grants to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which set up a $5 million fund for businesses affected by the sinkholes.

Townsquare Diner was approved for a $10,000 state grant this week after applying for $15,000 while Pop’s Bagel Shop is still waiting for approval. Businesses in Wharton are also eligible to sign up for federal disaster loans at 4% interest rates.