A sinkhole on a New Jersey interstate that's closed eastbound traffic for over 24 hours was caused by a collapse of abandoned mineshaft, officials said.

Officials estimated that the depression stretched  40 feet wide and 40 feet deep. As of Thursday, all lanes of I-80 eastbound were closed, forcing travelers to find alternate routes, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Emergency crews continue to work on repair the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in New Jersey after a large sinkhole opened on the right shoulder Thursday morning. The New Jersey Department of Transportation said I-80 eastbound in Wharton will remain closed under further notice and drivers are advised to use alternate routes instead.