Repairs to a major water main break on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood faced a setback after crews discovered a new leak near Santa Monica Boulevard and Laurel Avenue.The initial rupture, which occurred a week prior, had flooded the area with 17 million gallons of water, prompting the closure of the iconic street.Despite completing repairs on the 3-foot-wide trunk line, workers encountered a 'pinhole-sized leak' while backfilling the site.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power attributed the second rupture to unknown causes, though they remain on track to reopen Sunset Boulevard by Friday.

The incident highlights the aging infrastructure of the city's 547-mile underground trunk line system, much of which is nearing the end of its useful life.The closure has disrupted local traffic and commerce, with limited access remaining on nearby streets.

The situation underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining critical water distribution networks in Los Angeles, particularly as older pipes continue to fail despite efforts to modernize the system.