After days of around-the-clock work, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reopened Sunset Boulevard overnight on Friday, July 24. The move finally restored the flow of traffic through the stretch between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard.
LADWP said the reopening comes after crews completed emergency repairs and safely isolated the damaged section of the 36-inch transmission pipe while maintaining reliable water service.
The agency had delayed reopening earlier this week after discovering recurring leaks during pressure testing.
Temporary repairs complete, more work still ahead
While drivers can once again use Sunset Boulevard, LADWP says the current pavement is temporary. Crews will return in the coming weeks to complete permanent paving and will coordinate with the City of West Hollywood to minimize future lane closures.
The department also announced it will accelerate the full replacement of the aging trunk line. Originally scheduled to begin in 2031, the project will now move forward sooner in partnership with the City of West Hollywood.
The large infrastructure project is expected to take about four years and will require environmental review, permitting, and traffic planning.
What caused the flood?
Sunset Boulevard’s 110-year-old water main ruptured on July 16, sending millions of gallons of water into nearby streets, damaging businesses, and forcing the closure of one of West Hollywood’s busiest corridors. However, the cause of the rupture remains under investigation.
