When will Sunset Boulevard reopen? Here’s what we know about filling the big hole
Officials have made progress in repairing a major break in the Sunset Strip water system that sent 17 million gallons of water into surrounding areas.
But Sunset Boulevard has been closed for six days so far. Officials still haven’t said when it will reopen.
Thursday’s break was in a steel pipe dating from 1916 that is part of a system of major arteries that transport water from lakes and tanks to smaller distribution highways in Los Angeles. There are approximately 547 miles of underground trunk line criss-crossing the city, much of which is nearing the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced in the coming years.
Here’s what we know:
How long will sunset be closed?
Officials said they were unsure.
On Friday, city officials said they hope to have the historic road open Monday, but repairs are taking a long time.
Repairs are “expected to continue this week,” Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials said.
“We understand the ongoing hardship and disruption this has caused residents and businesses throughout West Hollywood. LADWP is fully committed to improving the repair of the pipelines and restoring affected roads as quickly and safely as possible,” the state wrote in a news release Monday.
What work was done?
Crews have already welded a new steel pipe to the 25-foot section that needed to be replaced. On Sunday, they sealed the leak found during the pressure test and are now pressurizing the line.
“As pressure builds, crews will also check for targeted leaks to ensure that all pipeline components, new and existing, are stable and functioning as expected,” the utility said.
LADWP stressed that the pipeline will not return to operation until all internal safety terms and conditions are met.
As of Monday evening, workers have resolved all the problems identified during the pressure test and have completed tests on all parts of the pipeline, according to the agency.
In a press release, the DWP outlined the next steps
- Once the site is prepared and materials are in place, workers will begin filling the excavation site. About 300 cubic yards of concrete mix slurry will be placed in the trench, requiring about 30 trucks. The slurry will be filled about two meters underground and will cure for 12 hours. After the necessary work on the shallow part of the trench is completed, the slurry will cure for an additional 24 hours to ensure complete stability.
- Next, LADWP crews will install a base layer and apply new asphalt, making sure all road restoration materials and methods are approved by the City of West Hollywood.
- Water quality personnel will disinfect the hardened part of the pipe with chlorine, followed by a thorough water quality test to ensure full compliance with all drinking water standards. After that, the water will be safely removed and discharged into the storm water drainage system.
What roads are restricted?
Sunset Boulevard is closed between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard, with limited local access to nearby streets including Cynthia Street and San Vicente Boulevard. City officials urged the public to avoid the area.
