Sunset Strip Expected to Reopen Monday after Water Main Break

Traffic lanes on the Sunset Strip are expected to be fully reopened Monday after a water main rupture flooded the streets of the famous thoroughfare known for its nightclubs and boutiques.

The break occurred Friday afternoon near Queens Road, sending 9,600 gallons of water spewing per minute, said LADWP spokeswoman Kim Hughes. Water to the main was shut off as crews repaired the 36-inch steel pipe ­-- installed in 1916 and cement-lined in 1957. Traffic was closed between La Cienega and Crescent Heights Boulevards. Hughes said no residences lost water throughout the ordeal.

Three traffic lanes were opened late Saturday between La Cienega Boulevard and Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood, which is now responsible for the street repair. The city is waiting for a concrete slurry filling the void in the ground to harden before addressing permanent repairs to the road and sidewalk, said spokeswoman Lisa Marie Belsanti.

One westbound lane remains closed between La Cienega and North Olive Drive. Tens of thousands of cars travel through the area each day, Belsanti said.

No injuries or accidents associated with the break were reported. LADWP plans to analyze the pipe to determine the cause of the rupture.