Water Main Break on Sunset Boulevard Causes Major Disruption

An aerial view captures the scene at Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive in West Hollywood, where a broken water main has unleashed a torrent of water down several streets. The ruptured trunk line on Sunset Boulevard remains the source of a significant disruption as crews work to repair the damage.

The closure extends from Horn Avenue, where the burst occurred, creating a large sinkhole, to San Vincente Boulevard and N. Clark Street. Additional closures affect Larrabee Street and Palm Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard, as stated by the City of West Hollywood. Soft closures are in place for residents only at Shoreham Drive, Holloway Drive between Palm and Hancock Avenues, and San Vicente Boulevard at Cynthia Street.

The situation is expected to disrupt businesses and residents in this busy area for several days. Officials urge motorists to avoid the region while repair crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) address the issue. The break involves a riveted steel pipe from 1916, which serves as a major artery for water delivery in Los Angeles. Although a replacement was scheduled for 2031, the incident emphasizes the difficulties utilities face with aging infrastructure.

With approximately 547 miles of trunk line beneath the city, maintaining and replacing old pipes is challenging. As of 2019, LADWP reported that around 29% of city’s pipes exceeded 80 years old, nearing their typical lifespan. Funding constraints have hindered significant upgrades to the system.

DWP’s Chief Operating Officer, Anselmo Collins, stated that an assessment would follow once the water is pumped out of the affected area. The assessment will determine the duration and extent of repairs needed.

For more news and updates, subscribe to Essential California for daily emails. By continuing, you consent to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.