Drivers hoping for Sunset Boulevard to reopen Monday will have to wait a little longer.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) says there is still no timeline for reopening the stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard. The closure follows last week’s massive water main break in West Hollywood.
The 110-year-old, 36-inch transmission water main ruptured early Thursday morning. An estimated 17 million gallons of water flooded nearby streets, damaged businesses, and pushed vehicles through the roadway.
When will Sunset Boulevard reopen?
There is still no official reopening date. In a revised update released Sunday evening, LADWP said repairs will continue into the coming week. More than 200 personnel remain on the job, working around the clock.
Crews are currently pressure testing the 36-inch transmission line. They’re also searching for and repairing any remaining leaks.
Before the road can reopen, LADWP says crews must:
- Confirm the pipe can safely hold pressure with no leaks.
- Meet all required safety and regulatory standards.
- Restore clean, safe drinking water to the community.
Officials added that work is continuing even when it isn’t visible. Crews are refilling and draining the pipe, chlorinating the system, running tests, and completing other critical steps behind the scenes.
What’s left before the road can reopen?
Several steps still need to happen before Sunset Boulevard can reopen.
Crews must continue pressure testing and repair any leaks they find. Once that is complete, the water main will be disinfected with chlorine and tested to ensure it meets water quality standards.
After testing, the water will be dechlorinated and safely released into the storm drain system. The final step is backfilling the trench and repaving the street.
What roads are closed?
Sunset Boulevard remains closed between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard. Only limited local access is available on nearby streets, including Cynthia Street and San Vicente Boulevard. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area while repairs continue.
Businesses continue recovering
The flooding caused significant damage across parts of the Sunset Strip. Several businesses remain closed, including the iconic Book Soup bookstore. And nearby Dialog Cafe also announced an indefinite closure because of flood damage.
The incident also forced organizers to shorten Sunday’s CicLAvia route through West Hollywood.
A century-old water main
The pipe that ruptured was installed in 1916. It had already been scheduled for replacement as part of LADWP’s long-term infrastructure program. Construction on that project is expected to begin in 2031. However, the cause of the rupture is still under investigation.
Water service remains available
LADWP says drinking water remains safe and reliable. However, customers are encouraged to conserve water while repairs continue. The neighborhood is currently being supplied through 8-inch distribution pipelines while the damaged 36-inch transmission line remains out of service.
Some residents, especially those on upper floors, may notice lower water pressure during peak hours. Anyone experiencing water service issues can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP for assistance.
