Westwood Hit by Major Sinkhole, Road Shut Down Indefinitely

Well, talk about an unexpected detour! Residents and commuters in Westwood, New Jersey, woke up to some rather disruptive news this Thursday morning. A rather substantial sinkhole has abruptly opened up, completely shutting down a vital stretch of Harrington Avenue, right in the heart of the town.

The sudden closure, which came into effect immediately, affects Harrington Avenue specifically between Berkeley Avenue and Sand Road. For anyone familiar with the area, you’ll know this spot is particularly sensitive as it’s quite close to the Berkeley School. This means school drop-offs and pick-ups, not to mention regular neighborhood traffic, will undoubtedly be impacted.

The alert regarding this significant disruption was issued bright and early on Thursday, October 15, 2026, around 10:29 AM ET. Naturally, local authorities moved quickly to ensure public safety. Chief Michael R. Pontillo of the Westwood Police Department confirmed the situation, urging everyone to exercise caution and find alternative routes.

Now, here’s the tricky part that's bound to cause some headaches: as of right now, the police haven't been able to provide any kind of estimated reopening time for Harrington Avenue. That means this isn't just a temporary inconvenience; it could be a longer-term issue. Without a clear timeline, residents will need to adjust their daily commutes and plans accordingly for the foreseeable future.

So, if you’re planning on traveling through Westwood, especially near the Berkeley School, please, do yourself a favor and double-check your route. It goes without saying, but avoid the closed section of Harrington Avenue and give yourself some extra time. Let's hope for a swift resolution to this rather unwelcome subterranean surprise!