London Street at Silver Lake Boulevard Closed for 6 Months

Would-be backstreets drivers be warned.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has begun work on long-term project on London Street at Silver Lake Boulevard.

Crews will be laying 10,600 feet of 6-inch diameter welded-steel pipes over the next six months, according to Terry Schneider of the DWP.

The new pipe will help workers enlarge a pressure release bolt.

Schneider says local residents got a letter last month warning them of the project.

Along with a big hole, several tractors, a porta-potty and a full-time security guard are on the site, near El Caserio restaurant and the 101 Freeway.

For some, it will mean a favorite shortcut has been snuffed out, at least for a while.

Echo Park Patch, for one,  loved to make a left off Silver Lake Boulevard there and avoid the traffic that often backs up at the southbound 101 onramp.