Century-Old Water Main Break Floods Sunset Strip in West Hollywood

An 110-year-old riveted steel trunk line ruptured early Thursday in West Hollywood, sending thousands of gallons of water down Sunset Boulevard, creating sinkholes and prompting street closures and transit disruptions. The 1916 pipe forms a major artery for LA’s water system, and its replacement isn’t slated until 2031 amid broader aging-infrastructure challenges for LADWP, which has faced funding and contracting hurdles in overhauling pipes. Officials cautioned that while water remains safe to drink, streets, businesses, and bus service were severely affected as crews assess and repair the line and surrounding infrastructure.