Officials have made progress in fixing a massive water system rupture on the Sunset Strip that sent 17 million gallons of water into surrounding neighborhoods.
But Sunset Boulevard has been closed for six days so far. Officials haven’t given a specific reopening date.
Thursday’s break was on a riveted steel pipe from 1916 that is part of the system of major arteries that deliver water from reservoirs and tanks to smaller distribution mainlines across Los Angeles. There are about 547 miles of trunk line underground across the city, much of which is nearing the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced in the coming years.
Here is what we know:
How long will Sunset be closed?
Officials said they are not sure, but “barring any unexpected issues or delays” the street could open “later this week.”
On Friday, city officials said they hoped the roadway would be reopened by Monday, but repairs are taking longer.
“Over 250 LADWP personnel have been working tirelessly to advance this complex repair as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Anselmo Collins, LADWP’s chief operating officer of the water system, in a Tuesday news release. “We remain focused on meeting every requirement needed to return this pipeline to service and we thank the community’s patience and understanding during this time.”
What work has been done?
Crews have already welded new steel pipe on the 25-foot section that needed to be replaced. On Sunday, they sealed leaks that were discovered during pressure testing and are now repressurizing the line.
“As pressure builds, crews will again perform targeted leak checks to confirm every section of pipe, both new and existing, is stable and performing as expected,” the utility department said.
LADWP stressed that the pipe will not return to service until every regulatory and internal safety benchmark is fully met.
As of Monday evening, crews had resolved all issues identified during pressure testing and had completed testing on every section of the pipeline, according to the utility.
Crews then placed 300 cubic yards, or 30 truckloads, of concrete slurry into the trench. Once the excavation site is fully filled, the slurry will need to cure for 24 hours before crews will be able to repave the street. Water quality tests will also be required to put the pipe back into service.
In a news release, the DWP outlined the next steps.
- LADWP crews will install the base layer and apply new asphalt, ensuring all street restoration materials and methods have been approved by the city of West Hollywood.
- Water quality crews will disinfect the repaired section of pipe with chlorine, followed by comprehensive water-quality testing to ensure full compliance with all drinking water standards. Afterward, the water will be safely dechlorinated and discharged into the storm drain system.
Which roads are restricted?
Sunset Boulevard is closed between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard, with limited local access on nearby streets, including Cynthia Street and San Vicente Boulevard. City officials urged the public to avoid the area.
