As the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power assesses the rupture of a 36-inch steel main line buried under Sunset Boulevard early Thursday morning, which sent thousands of gallons of water onto the streets of West Hollywood, the city has closed major roads in a heavily trafficked area of the Sunset Strip, while residents are asked to reduce water use while removing debris from flooding.
The rupture of the main line, which was installed 110 years ago, occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, a representative from LADWP told reporters, adding that water was shut off in the area around 7:30 a.m. local time after the city Public Works Department quickly deployed personnel to the scene. LADWP confirmed that no interruptions in water service are expected for residents or businesses, who are encouraged by LADWP and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to reduce usage and pressure.
Crews are removing about 195,000 gallons of water from the isolated 0.7-mile section of large-diameter pipe and the surrounding area before the rupture is secured and they can assess the extent of the damage. This includes support to make the area safe before excavation begins.
Water continues to flow in West Hollywood through an 8-inch pipe instead of the ruptured 36-inch pipe, the department said. Mayor Karen Bass, who was at the scene Thursday morning, relayed the message to WeHo residents later in the day.
“As LADWP crews continue to work urgently to remove water to repair ruptured pipes in West Hollywood, people should avoid the area and conserve water as some may experience a loss of water pressure,” Bass said. “The water has been cut off from the pipe, and anyone who has sustained damage should speak to LADWP staff on the ground.”
LADWP claims employees also set up in front of 1010 Palm Ave. daily until 7pm to answer questions regarding property damage and claims.
On Thursday morning, a huge sinkhole opened up on the West Hollywood sidewalk near Sunset Boulevard after streets were flooded with water. Two men walking near the hole fell, and by Thursday morning rush hour, a line of cars could be seen passing through it as neighborhood residents and commuters tried to get around the affected area. Traffic closures are currently in effect on Sunset Boulevard between Larrabee Street and La Cienega Boulevard and on adjacent streets, for public safety as crews assess damage and determine needed repairs.
LADWP said customers, especially those living on the upper floors of buildings in the surrounding area, reported low water pressure. She added that the department is actively modifying water operations to restore water pressure without causing further problems.
Businesses in the area will remain closed while they clean up damage and make difficult decisions. Dialog Cafe, an influential hotspot, wrote in an Instagram post that it will remain closed.
“Right now, our full focus is on cleaning up, assessing the damage and doing everything we can to restore the space that has been home to so many memories over the past 15 years,” the letter signed by the dialogue team read. The team indicated that they have no idea when the café will reopen.
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station announced a strict closure of streets without access, including: Horn Avenue at Sunset Boulevard, near the crash site; San Vicente Street and North Clark Street at Sunset Boulevard, where eastbound traffic is not permitted on San Vicente Street from San Vicente Street/Clarke Street; Larrabee Street at Sunset Boulevard on the north and south sides and on Santa Monica Boulevard; And Palm Street on Santa Monica Boulevard. The station asks everyone to avoid the area for the next few days so that repair crews and emergency services can move freely.
Residents passing through any eased lockdown points must have identification or proof of residency ready.
Several local hotels are offering special rates to affected West Hollywood residents: The Ziggy Hotel is offering 25 percent off the best available rate, the West Hollywood Edition is offering 20 percent off the retail rate, and the London Hotel is offering 40 percent off the best available rate, among many other discounts available to residents displaced by the flooding.
