Background 

Distribution mainline pipes are the backbone of LADWP’s water distribution system. There are approximately 6,794 miles of mainline pipe, of which about 30 percent of are over 80 years old. With a focus on infrastructure improvement programs, LADWP will continue to provide customers with a reliable source of water by upgrading major system components that are old, or located in seismic areas. 

The Wilbur Avenue Mainline Project is an important part of LADWP’s plan to accelerate the pace of replacing aging infrastructure. It conforms to LADWP’s Water Infrastructure Plan to promote long-term efficient operation and lower the risk of disruptions due to failure. Customers will benefit from the new mainline pipe with improved water system reliability and flexibility. 

Project Description 

LADWP crews will replace 7,638’ of existing 4”, 6”, and 8” cast-iron mainline pipe – ranging in age from 56 to 88-years old – with new ductile-iron pipe of the same size. The affected streets are Wilbur, Geyser, Crebs, Rhea and Capps Avenues, and, Malden, Chase, Community, Schoenborn and Frankfort Streets. 

Construction Information 

Work will be done in manageable 300-foot sections to minimize the traffic impact on the community. Work near the three intersections of Wilbur/Parthenia, Wilbur/Napa and Wilbur/Chase will necessitate temporary detours. Signs will be posted in advance and flaggers will be present as necessary. 

At the end of each work shift, trenches will be covered with steel plates for through traffic and driveway access until the next work shift begins. Crews will work with the community to ensure property access at all times. 

Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturday work may be necessary, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

LADWP will provide a 48-hour advance notice when temporary service interruptions are needed to make water mainline connections. 

Other than the connection work, service interruptions throughout the project are expected to be minimal.

Traffic Information 

In active construction areas, there will be one open lane in each direction at all times. Temporary tow-away/no-parking signs will be posted as needed. 

Project Schedule 

Fall 2022 – Fall 2023

Region 

San Fernando Valley 

Contact

Superintendent 
Jaime Castrellon
818-775-5422
 [email protected]

Assistant Superintendent 
George Larochelle
818-775-5451
[email protected] 

Valley District Engineer 
Rafael Viramontes
213-367-3320
[email protected] 

Community Liaison
Christina Holland
213-367-1076
[email protected]