Dunn: The Road is Open, But the Work Isn’t Done

by njassemblygop.com

TRENTON, N.J. – Her persistent leadership got the Route 80 sinkholes fixed. Still, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn knows more work remains.

She recently met with state Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis K. O’Connor to discuss the safety and security of New Jersey’s roadways.

“We were able to discuss NJDOT’s hard work during the sinkhole crisis, how they worked 24/7 to repair the roadway. I have nothing but praise for their transparency about timelines, planning and repairs, and how quickly they responded to questions and comments so my office in turn could quickly address constituent concerns,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Good governance got us through.”

Three sinkholes formed along Route 80 in Wharton between December 2024 and March 2025, causing road closures that impacted commuter traffic and local economies for months. Dunn was at the forefront of not only ensuring timely repairs on Route 80, but supported the declared state of emergency on March 8 and in April introduced her “Road to Relief” bill package that was the impetus for the multi-million-dollar Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program that served as a lifeline for economically harmed small businesses and their essential workers.

“This was about more than fixing a road,” Dunn said. “It was about standing up for the people and businesses of Wharton, demanding answers, and refusing to back down until the job was done.”

The highway was fully reopened in June.

Moving forward, Dunn has advocated the use of geotechnical asset management—the process of managing infrastructure like roads, bridges, or tunnels by studying and maintaining the ground they’re built on—to identify and remediate those mines to avoid major, costly disruptions.

“New Jersey drivers deserve infrastructure they can count on,” Dunn said. “That means consistent oversight, modern planning tools, and real investment in the systems that connect our communities.”

Wharton Mayor Bill Chegwidden praised Dunn’s good governance.

“Dunn has shown what leadership looks like, not with photo ops or finger-pointing, but with action, results, and relentless advocacy for the people she serves,” the mayor said.