Year-long Construction Project to Add Capacity for Bel Air, Beverly Crest, northern Westwood, and Holmby Hills Communities
Sunset Blvd between the 405 freeway and Bellagio RdLOS ANGELES ( June 24, 2019) – Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will be instituting a partial closure of Sunset Blvd starting June 25, 2019 in order to improve electric system reliability and add capacity. Crews will be working simultaneously at the following locations:
- Sunset Blvd between S. Beverly Glen Blvd and Carolwood Dr
At least one lane will remain open in each direction to maintain both eastbound and westbound traffic flow. The partial road closure will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Hours may be extended as needed but at the end of each work day, all lanes will be re-opened.
The year-long project is part of a continuing effort to improve the electric system infrastructure throughout LADWP’s service area. Four new underground circuits will be installed to markedly improve capacity and reliability for the Bel Air, Beverly Crest, northern Westwood, and Holmby Hills communities.
“When it comes to projects of this nature, there is never a convenient time for infrastructure updates. Although we recognize the inconvenience it may cause in the short term, the long term benefits will serve the needs of our residents and families in the area” said Councilmember Paul Koretz of the Fifth district. “The plan and mitigations in place is a result of an exhaustive collaboration between City agencies and community partnerships and we are most grateful for your cooperation.”
“Serving our customers is always our top priority,” LADWP Chief Operating Officer Martin L. Adams said. “The circuits servicing these communities are operating at 120% of capacity and adding new circuits is necessary to continue to provide the highest quality service possible. We have worked very hard to minimize the impact this project will have and we are deeply appreciative of your patience, cooperation and understanding.”
LADWP has worked closely with local residents and the office of Councilmember Paul Koretz (Council District 5) to minimize impact of the project on the community and those who use Sunset Blvd regularly. LADWP has also coordinated with other local agencies, including the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Street Services (BSS), and Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) to manage traffic, monitor local access to the work area, and maintain fire and emergency access at all times throughout the course of the project.
LADWP has worked to maintain reliability by evaluating and prioritizing maintenance and replacement of aging and critical infrastructure through the Power System Reliability Program. This project is part of LADWP’s efforts to ramp up the replacement of distribution infrastructure, such as poles, cross-arms, transformers, overhead circuits, and underground cables, as well as upgrading transmission, substation and generation equipment. As of fiscal year 2017-2018, LADWP has replaced 10,879 cross-arms, 51 miles of underground cable and 17 vaults. Much of this work has been made possible in part by the LADWP rate increases approved by the Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor in March, 2016, and which took effect on April 15, 2016.
Additional information:
- Traffic control officers will be stationed at several points along Sunset to manage traffic flow. Electronic message boards will also be in place throughout the construction zone and adjacent streets.
- Crews will be working incrementally on Sunset Blvd between the 405 to Bellagio Rd, and S. Beverly Glen Blvd to Carolwood Dr. The entire stretch of Sunset Blvd will not be closed off for construction.
- Crews will be working primarily in the middle two lanes on Sunset Blvd. The outer lanes will be open for traffic.
- Trash services on Sunset Blvd. will not be affected.
- Visit the project website for updates: ladwp.com/BelAir
- A dedicated hotline number is available for the public to call during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm) at 213-367-6045.
- After hours and on weekends, the public may also call LADWP’s 800 number which is answered 24 hours a day at 1(800) DIAL DWP (342-5397).
- Project updates will also be posted on LADWP’s social media platforms at facebook.com/LADWP and https://twitter.com/LADWP
Contacts:
Deborah Hong – LADWP Community Affairs
Deborah.Hong@ladwp.com
(213) 948-9816
Alison Simard – Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
alison.simard@lacity.org
O: 213-473-7005
C: 213-505-7467
