Gas and water main break shuts down roads near LAX, causing major delays
A major gas and water main break has shut down parts of Sepulveda Boulevard and 96th Street near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The incident occurred after a third-party construction crew damaged a six-inch steel natural gas line, forcing road closures in both directions. Drivers are now facing significant delays in the area. The break happened early on Thursday, prompting SoCal Gas technicians to shut off the gas line as a precaution. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that repairs are underway but could not estimate how long they will take. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and SoCal Gas are jointly investigating the cause of the damage.
Several lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard, from Century Boulevard to 96th Street, remain closed. Firefighters have warned motorists to expect delays and exercise caution when navigating the area. Among those affected was traveller Charles Cimmarusti, who was heading to Portland for his sister’s wedding. Due to the heavy traffic, he missed his original flight but still plans to continue his journey. The road closures and ongoing repairs are causing widespread disruption near LAX. Authorities have yet to confirm when normal traffic flow will resume. Travellers and commuters are advised to check for updates and allow extra time for their trips.
