DETROIT – It's already a dangerous area because of speeding cars and low visibility, and now a downtown business owner is concerned about a potentially much bigger problem.
There is a loud ringing in the air on Gratiot Avenue as a manhole cover is being bounced around by the steam, but the biggest problem is the water that's causing even more steam than usual to rise and create zero visibility at times.
Crews didn't want vehicles in the area because of the steam problem. That put drivers in danger and the businesses in the area in a real bind.
There has always been steam that rises from Gratiot Avenue near Russell, but over the last month it's gotten worse. Not only does the steam come out very hot, it smells terrible.
Greg Holm, the owner of Antietam, said the situation has the potential for disaster.
"They've been drilling a lot of holes, so there's steam coming up everywhere," he said. "Last night in particular there was just so much steam (there) was zero visibility."
The visibility Sunday morning wasn't any better. And even after the wind picked up Sunday night, thick walls of steam were still strong enough to rattle manhole covers off the ground.
"It's created a very dangerous situation," Holm said.
Detroit water and sewage crews have been trying to track a water leak for the past few days.
Local 4 News was told by the DWSD there is a valve on a large transmission main that will be replaced this week.
But Detroit firefighters on the scene last night told Holm disaster could strike at any moment.
"Because of the steam, they're expecting a large sinkhole to open up in the middle lane," Holm said.
Holm said if Antietam loses business Friday or Saturday because of no water, it would be a huge financial blow.
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