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WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. () — Cleanup and repair work continued Saturday on a ruptured main that unleashed water and turned West Hollywood streets into raging rivers while nearby businesses assessed the damage such as a sinkhole and other destruction.
Crews were working around the clock to expose the broken section of the circa 1916, riveted-steel 36-inches-wide trunk line, removing and then replacing the pipe, which broke open at 3 a.m. Thursday on Sunset Boulevard at Holloway Drive — pushing around cars and flooding garages while shifting massive chunks of asphalt and concrete slab.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said Friday evening that a 25-foot segment of the pipe was cut out and will be hauled away. New video from overnight shows crews installing a new section of pipe.
Officials said the temporary repair could be complete and Sunset Boulevard reopened by the end of the weekend. But as of Saturday morning, Sunset remained closed between Sherburne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard. Other nearby streets are also closed.
The LADWP said welding the replacement pipe into place could take as long as 16 hours. The line will then be repressurized, inspected for leaks, disinfected with chlorine and tested before being refilled, backfilled and the street repaved.
Several streets in West Hollywood were flooded with rushing water following a massive water main break overnight.
Meanwhile, people who live and work in the area are still dealing with various issues stemming from the ruptured pipe.
“I think this is ridiculous. I think the city should’ve attended this way sooner. I think it could’ve been prevented,” one person told Eyewitness News.
Angelo Burlows said he’s been left with out power and air conditioning.
“It’s a huge disruption, obviously,” said one West Hollywood resident. “Our water pressure is impacted in our apartment, but the streets are blocked off, so it’s tough to get around.”
Engineering experts continue to warn that Los Angeles’ aging infrastructure is at risk, and data shows the LADWP isn’t always meeting its own targets.
Eyewitness News learned the pipe that broke was about 110 years old. An infrastructure improvement project had been scheduled for 2031 and was expected to be completed by 2035.
LADWP said the full project includes replacing nearly 10 miles of water pipe.
“While repairs to the damaged 25-foot section are being completed now, LADWP will continue moving forward with the long-term replacement plan,” the agency said.
LADWP officials said drinking water remains safe, though some nearby buildings are experiencing low water pressure. The mayor has asked residents and businesses near the break to conserve water while repairs continue.
Officials said anyone with property or vehicle damage can file a claim through LADWP at ladwp.com/claims.
LADWP claims staff will be available to assist Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1010 Palm Ave. They’ll be able to answer any questions about property damage and claims.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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