A major stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood is expected to reopen after crews with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power completed repairs following a massive water main rupture.
The break flooded nearby streets, damaged property, and disrupted traffic for days as crews worked to repair the damaged pipeline and restore normal conditions.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to LADWP, crews are preparing to reopen Sunset Boulevard after repairing a 36-inch riveted steel pipe that ruptured near Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive on July 16.
The break happened around 3 a.m. and released approximately 17 million gallons of water, causing major flooding in the surrounding area.
The flooding shifted large sections of asphalt, submerged vehicles, flooded garages, and damaged nearby properties. As a result, Sunset Boulevard was closed between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard while crews worked on repairs.
Officials initially expected the road to reopen sooner, but workers discovered a secondary pinhole leak during repair operations, briefly extending the timeline.
On Thursday, LADWP welders repaired the additional leak, allowing crews to begin repressurizing the pipeline, performing water quality testing, and preparing the roadway for temporary repaving.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
LADWP said crews completed several complex repair steps, including pumping water, repairing and welding the 36-inch pipe, repressurizing the line, checking for additional leaks, flushing and disinfecting the system, and conducting water quality testing.
The utility said the pipeline must meet safety standards before being fully returned to service.
LADWP officials stated that the repaired section is being carefully monitored as crews work toward reopening the roadway.
The utility also highlighted its infrastructure maintenance efforts, saying its leak rate is 16.1 leaks per 100 miles of pipe, which it says is below the national average of 25 leaks per 100 miles.
LADWP added that it replaced more than 246,000 feet of pipe annually across 2024 and 2025 as part of its ongoing infrastructure work.
LADWP said crews have been working continuously since the rupture to stabilize the pipeline and restore normal conditions. The utility explained that the repair process required multiple steps before the roadway and water system could safely return to operation.
The department said crews “have performed complex work including pumping, repairing the 36-inch riveted steel pipe, welding the pipe, repressurizing and ensuring there are no leaks, flushing, disinfecting and water quality testing.”
LADWP officials also noted that the cause of the original break remains under investigation. Anselmo Collins, LADWP’s chief operating officer and senior assistant general manager of the water system, explained that water pressure in delivery lines can increase overnight when demand decreases, which may be one factor investigators are examining.
Some residents and infrastructure critics may take a skeptical view of the response, arguing that the size of the rupture and the resulting damage raise questions about whether older water systems are being maintained aggressively enough. They may point to the fact that the pipeline was already scheduled for future replacement as evidence that long-term infrastructure upgrades are still needed. However, others argue that large utility failures can happen even with ongoing maintenance and that the investigation must determine the exact cause before assigning responsibility. From this perspective, the priority should remain completing repairs, supporting affected residents and businesses, and using the findings to improve future prevention efforts.
LADWP added that “the leak rate sits at 16.1 leaks per 100 miles of pipe—36% below the national average of 25” and said continued investments in pipeline replacement are part of its effort to improve system reliability.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sunset Boulevard is a major transportation route through West Hollywood, and the closure affected drivers, residents, businesses, and public transportation in the area.
The incident also raised questions about the condition of aging water infrastructure and the challenges cities face maintaining large underground pipelines.
Although repairs are nearing completion, officials said the long-term replacement of older pipeline systems remains part of future infrastructure planning.
LADWP noted that the 10-mile pipeline involved in the incident was already scheduled for a future replacement project, with construction expected to begin in 2031.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- The exact cause of the July 16 water main rupture.
- Whether aging materials or another factor contributed to the failure.
- The full cost of repairs and property damage.
- When permanent roadway repairs will be completed.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
LADWP crews are expected to complete temporary repaving and striping before reopening Sunset Boulevard to traffic.
Additional permanent repairs, including final paving and restoration of nearby infrastructure such as a bus pad and sidewalk, will take place in the coming weeks.
Officials said customers with questions about the water main break or service issues can contact LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Residents and property owners affected by the flooding can access claims information through LADWP’s claims process.
West Hollywood officials are also providing updates on street closures, traffic detours, Metro bus changes, parking adjustments, and other impacts related to the repair work.
SOURCE NOTE
This story is based on reporting from FOX 11 Los Angeles and information released by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.