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NewsNBC Los Angeles (KNBC) – LocalJuly 16, 2026Los Angeles

Water Main Break Causes Flooding and Road Closures in West Hollywood

A 36-inch water main break in West Hollywood caused significant flooding, property damage, and widespread road closures early Thursday morning. LADWP crews stopped the leak by 7 a.m., but cleanup and damage assessments are ongoing.

infrastructurepublic safetytransportationWest Hollywoodutilities
Read the full story at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) – Local

Why It Matters

Residents and commuters in West Hollywood face ongoing road closures, bus detours, and potential property damage to vehicles and homes following a major utility failure.

Key Facts

  • A 36-inch riveted steel water pipe installed in 1916 ruptured near Palm Avenue and Harratt Street.
  • The break was reported at approximately 3:55 a.m. Thursday and the flow was stopped by 7 a.m.
  • Multiple streets are closed, including sections of Sunset Boulevard, Holloway Drive, Palm Avenue, Cynthia Street, Harratt Street, and Nellas Street.
  • Metro bus lines 2, 16, 105, 212, and 217 are experiencing detours and delays.
  • The flooding caused damage to vehicles, homes, and underground parking garages.
  • A sinkhole formed near the Sunset Strip due to the water main break.
  • LADWP crews are working through the night to assess damage and pump water from the area.
  • The cause of the pipe failure remains under investigation.
  • LADWP spokesperson Joe Castruita stated the pipe was near the end of its useful life.

Who's Mentioned

locationHarratt Street“Site of the water main break.”locationSunset Boulevard“Area affected by road closures.”other105“Metro bus line impacted.”organizationLos Angeles County Fire Department“Reported the initial water main break and flooding.”other36“Diameter in inches of the ruptured pipe.”personJoe Castruita“LADWP spokesperson providing updates on the pipe condition.”other200“Life expectancy in years of new pipes.”organizationLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department“Managing traffic control and area safety.”organizationMetro“Managing bus detours and yard closures.”organizationLADWP“Utility provider managing the repair and water shut-off.”locationPalm Avenue“Site of the water main break.”other212“Metro bus line impacted.”other217“Metro bus line impacted.”