CHELSEA — Part of Sixth Avenue was closed in Chelsea Wednesday while crews investigated stray voltage that spread to area street grates and doorknobs, authorities said.
Crews closed off a stretch of Sixth Avenue between 27th and 26th streets after a small amount of stray voltage was discovered on a subway grate overnight by a Con Edison truck that monitors such problems, according to officials from the FDNY and Con Ed.
No injuries were immediately reported, the fire spokesman added.
The road was closed about 11:30 a.m., after the volatge increased from 1 to 44 volts and expanded to nearby grates, doorframes and doorknobs, the FDNY and Con Ed spokesman Bob McGeee said.
Employees of businesses along the stretch were not required to vacate the area. A Con Ed worker at the scene said they had been warned about the stray voltage and instructed not to let in customers.
It was not how long the street closure would last.
Kevin, an employee at the Duane Reade at 777 Sixth Ave., stepped out for his break and could not get back into the store.
"I guess they didn't finish thier work yet or they still think it's dangerous," said the staffer, who declined to give his last name. "I asked one fireman and he said it could take all day."
