The sinkhole that cratered a section of I-80 in New Jersey was caused by an abandoned mineshaft collapsing underneath the highway, state transportation officials say.

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.

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 will remain closed under further notice and drivers are advised to use alternate routes instead.