Nearly a week after a water main break flooded parts of West Hollywood and created a gigantic sinkhole, Sunset Boulevard remained closed Tuesday with crews being closer to finishing the repair work.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) did not say exactly when the iconic roadway will reopen. It had initially said Sunset Boulevard could reopen by last Sunday.
Much of the repair work Tuesday focused on pouring more than 30 truck loads of concrete slurry into the excavation. Once the concrete cures for about 24 hours, crews can begin repaving the streets, according to the LADWP.
Water quality testing must also be completed before the repaired water line can return to service, the department said.
The progress came five days after the water main break sent an estimated 17 million gallons of water surging through the Sunset Strip, flooding streets, businesses and underground garages. The city of West Hollywood estimates between 100 and 200 cars were damaged.
“There are two buildings still without power, but we were able to help them get electricians into the buildings,” West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman said. “They have ordered the parts, the replacement parts for their electrical panels.”
About 70 apartment units were displaced, according to Heilman, who expected restoring power to those building could take several more days.
“We were able to secure hotel vouchers for all of our residents who were displaced, and most of them have taken advantage of that,” Heilman said. “And today we’re also helping residents get their vehicles out of the subterranean garages.”
Business and people who have suffered any loss related to the water pipe break can file a claim with the LADWP here.