Santa Monica Boulevard Traffic Backups Expected This Week During Pipeline Work

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Traffic is expected to continue to be impacted on Santa Monica Boulevard for the rest of the week as crews continue to repair a leaking water pipeline.

The Metropolitan Water District was expected to begin work at 4 a.m. Tuesday on repairs that officials say will impact traffic at least through Saturday.

During the work, one lane will be open in each direction of Santa Monica Boulevard between Moreno Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.

"We will work as quickly as possible to address this issue to protect the region's water supplies, as well as public safety," said Shane Chapman, Metropolitan's assistant general manager of operations. "We appreciate the public's cooperation during this urgent repair."

The leak was discovered in Metropolitan's Santa Monica Feeder, a 24- mile pipeline that delivers water to the cities of Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Metropolitan crews will excavate to inspect the pipeline and immediately repair the leak.

In addition to the traffic impacts, local residents and businesses may notice increased noise due to construction and excavation.

Water service to residences and businesses will not be impacted by the leak or construction activities, Chapman said.

City News Service contributed to this report.