Sinkhole, gas leak, closes part of Monument Street

BALTIMORE - A 10-foot sinkhole caused a natural gas leak and shut down part of Monument Street in East Baltimore Wednesday afternoon.

Department of Public Works and BGE crews are working to repair the damage caused by the sink hole that opened up over a 120-inch storm drain tunnel that carries water to the Inner Harbor. The drain, which dates back to 1930 has had problems on two other occasions, according to DPW spokesman Kurt Kocher.

How will this impact my commute?

Monument Street between Patterson Park Avenue and Milton Avenue is closed to traffic and pedestrians while repairs are being made.

Traffic is being detoured south on Wolfe Street and east on Orleans Street. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time, and this section of Monument Street is expected to remain closed for at least a week.

The Monument Street closure will have an impact on area traffic, especially during rush hour. Commuters headed east to Johns Hopkins may still use Monument Street to reach their destination.

However, motorists who are traveling farther east should expect delays along the posted detour and are sencouraged to use alternate routes. Suggested alternate routes include Orleans Street/Route 40, Fayette Street, Biddle Street and I-95.