A significant portion of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood remains closed indefinitely as emergency crews work to repair a major water main that ruptured early Thursday, causing substantial water flow and a large sinkhole.
The affected section of Sunset Boulevard spans from Horn Avenue, where the 110-year-old pipe burst, to San Vicente Boulevard/N. Clark Street. The City of West Hollywood has also reported closures on Larrabee Street at Santa Monica Boulevard and Palm Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard. Soft closures, allowing access only for residents, are implemented at Shoreham Drive at Sunset Boulevard, Holloway Drive between Palm and Hancock avenues, and San Vicente Boulevard at Cynthia Street.
The prolonged closures are expected to cause considerable disruption for businesses and residents in this typically busy area of West Hollywood. Authorities are urging motorists to avoid the vicinity for the next several days to facilitate the repair work by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews.
The rupture occurred on a riveted steel pipe dating back to 1916, which serves as a critical artery for water distribution across Los Angeles, transporting water from reservoirs to smaller distribution lines. The LADWP had previously scheduled this section of the Sunset Trunk Line for replacement in 2031. The city's infrastructure includes approximately 547 miles of underground trunk lines, with a significant portion of these aging pipes requiring attention.
According to the LADWP's 2019 data, roughly 29% of the city's water pipes were over 80 years old, nearing the end of their estimated 100-year lifespan. Utility providers face ongoing challenges in maintaining the aging system due to limited funding for extensive overhauls.
Anselmo Collins, LADWP's chief operating officer and senior assistant general manager, stated on Thursday that an assessment following the water pump-out from the sinkhole would determine the duration of the repairs. Individuals who have experienced property or vehicle damage can initiate a claim through the LADWP website at ladwp.com/claims. LADWP claims staff will be available to provide assistance and answer questions regarding property damage and claims at 1010 Palm Ave. on Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
