COLUMBIA, S.C. — A sinkhole has created a traffic hazard at one of the busiest locations in Columbia, near Forest Acres.
The hole opened up Monday afternoon on Trenholm Road near Beltline Boulevard. The problem is right near Mays Park.
A 16-inch water main break under the section of road caused erosion, and then eventually a road collapse, according to Columbia Water.
Trenholm Road is closed from Dean Hall Lane to Saramont Road until repairs are complete.
Drivers who need to go through that area should consider an alternate route. The city has placed detour signs in the area to help reroute drivers.
The road repair could take up to a few days, according to Columbia Water spokesman Robert Yanity.
Yanity said pressure from a nearby storm drainage pipe may have caused the water main break on Monday.
Any other questions or concerns regarding this traffic advisory can be made to The City of Columbia Customer Care Center at 803.545.3300.
A boil water advisory is also in place for families in the area near the sinkhole.
Officials say the affected areas include families on Trenholm Road from Glenwood Road to East Buchanan Drive and Devine Street from Kilbourne Road to Beltline Boulevard.
Any families near the affected areas who lose water or water pressure should also boil their water.
"It is just a precaution, if you see low pressure in your pipes or anything like that it's a good idea to boil your water vigorously before using it. Again, it's just an advisory. We feel that the water's safe, but if you feel like you have low pressure, you're seeing issues with your water, go ahead and boil it just to be safe," Yanity said on Tuesday afternoon.
During a boil water advisory, you should vigorously boil your water for at least one full minute before drinking or cooking with it.
The break in the 16-inch water line break could have led to bacteria in water on Trenholm Road from Glenwood Road to East Buchanan Drive.