Los Angeles officials are aiming to reopen Sunset Boulevard by the end of the week after last week’s water main break released some 17 million gallons of water onto the streets of West Hollywood.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said it needs to finish repaving the street as soon as the concrete slurry that was poured into the sinkhole is cured. Then, crews will have to complete water-quality checks before reopening to traffic.
LADWP workers also used chlorine Wednesday to “treat the pipe and ensure it is free of any bacteria,” according to the LADWP.
Officials said that since the 36-inch water main ruptured last Thursday, repair 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.”
The reopening of the iconic stretch of the road could not come sooner for local business owners and residents as they still grapple with the aftermath.
Dimitry Kermani, who owns the building that houses a water-damaged cafe, said the basement level of the property has been “completely decimated” after a massive amount of water come through Holloway Drive.
“There is tremendous impact to the business,” Kermani said. “I know that with our property we are looking at a relatively lengthy reopening timeframes for the time being.”
Nikky Abie is among dozens of people who may need a new car after she left her car parked on Palm Avenue last week.
“It spun around and washed away,” she said. “I need another car. It’s totally totaled.”
City officials urged affected business owners and neighbors to file auto or residential claims with the LADWP online.