Large sinkhole on North Avenue; several homes condemned

Several Baltimore City rowhomes are in the process of being condemned, after a large sinkhole developed in the sidewalk on North Avenue, just east of Greenmount, in Baltimore over the weekend.

The Baltimore Fire Union said Monday that the sinkhole is located along the sidewalk outside 722 and 724 East North Avenue.

Until further notice, North Avenue is closed to traffic in both directions between Greenmount Avenue and Homewood Avenue while repairs are being made.

In the meantime all westbound traffic is being detoured at Homewood Avenue, and eastbound at Greenmount Avenue.

There is concern about the structural safety of the house where the concrete collapsed.

BGE is on the scene along with the City's Housing Department. The gas was shut down, and bus traffic is being rerouted. American Red Cross was also on scene to assist occupants of one of the homes.

Officials fear vibrations from traffic could make it worse.

Houses 720-724 are being condemned, while gas will be turned off starting at house 710.

The two houses where the sinkhole is located were built in the 1920s and are currently listed as rentals, according to online property records. Address number 722 was valued at $13,000, with 724 valued at $38,000.

The city said part of North Wolfe Street is also being closed due to the sinkhole.

Starting at 10 p.m. July 5, North Wolfe is closed between North Avenue and East Lafayette with detours in effect.

All southbound traffic along N. Wolfe Street will be detoured onto North Avenue and motorists should use the following alternate route:

• Southbound N. Wolfe Street traffic will be detoured left on North Avenue, right on Chester Street, right on E. Lafayette Avenue and left back onto N. Wolfe Street.

It is unclear at this time when the roadway will be reopened to traffic.

Stay with us for updates.