Massive Sinkhole Forms in West Hollywood After Water Main Break

A significant water main break in West Hollywood has resulted in extensive flooding and a large sinkhole, causing major road closures and disruptions to public transit. City officials are working diligently to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the drinking water supply. Residents are advised to document any property damage and expect delays in the area as repairs are underway. The situation remains fluid, with no timeline yet for the reopening of affected roads.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 04:25 IST

Water Main Break Causes Sinkhole

In the early hours of Thursday, a century-old water main burst near Palm Avenue and Harratt Street, resulting in a significant amount of water flooding the streets of West Hollywood and creating a large sinkhole. Footage shared online depicted water surging down the streets with such intensity that it pushed parked vehicles into one another, as reported by local news sources. City officials acted swiftly to close off roads and advised residents to avoid the area while they evaluated the situation.

Challenges in Repairing the Water Main

Why Repairs Are Taking Time

Addressing the issue is not straightforward due to the high pressure of the water system in that region. Emergency teams indicated that they must proceed with caution to prevent exacerbating the damage already caused.

#BreakingNews: Sunset Boulevard is closed indefinitely in West Hollywood after a massive, 100-year-old water main ruptured early Thursday morning, creating a large sinkhole directly under the traffic light at Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive. pic.twitter.com/yieGkrTQII
— KTLA (@KTLA) July 16, 2026

Authorities have identified the failure as stemming from a trunk line that is over a century old. This line has been completely shut off, and two major valves on either side of the rupture have also been closed to halt the water flow.

Safety of Drinking Water

Is Drinking Water Safe?

Despite the extensive flooding, officials have reassured residents that the drinking water supply remains unaffected and safe. Anselmo Collins, the chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, confirmed this in a statement. The LADWP is collaborating with law enforcement to manage traffic and coordinate repair efforts as they assess the damage.

Guidance for Residents

What Residents Should Do

Residents whose properties have been impacted by the flooding are encouraged to document the damage. The LADWP advises taking photographs now in case claims need to be filed later.

Road Closures and Traffic Updates

Roads Closed In The Area

Motorists should anticipate delays and consider alternative routes, as several major roads are currently closed:

Eastbound Sunset Boulevard, closed between Larrabee Street and Sherbourne Drive
Eastbound Holloway Drive, closed between Sunset Boulevard and Westmount Drive
Eastbound Santa Monica Boulevard, closed between San Vicente Boulevard and Hancock Drive

Impact on Public Transit

Bus Riders Should Expect Delays

The flooding has also affected public transportation services. Metro has altered or delayed several bus lines due to the road closures, including the 2 Line (Sunset), 4 Line (Santa Monica), 10/48 (Melrose), 14/37 (Beverly), 16 Line (3rd Street), 20 Line (Wilshire), 28 Line (Olympic), 30 Line (Pico), 35 Line (Washington), 134 Line (PCH), 217 Line (Fairfax), 602 Line (Sunset), and 617 Line (Robertson).

Ongoing Assessments

Officials are continuing to evaluate the situation and have not provided a timeline for when the affected roads will be reopened.