Temporary Closure of Runyon Canyon Begins Friday

The four-month closure of the popular Runyon Canyon hiking area in Los Angeles will begin Friday to allow work on a water system improvement project, officials said.

Runyon Canyon Park, located in the Hollywood Hills area, west of the 101 Freeway, will remain closed through July 31, according to the Department of Recreation and Parks. The often crowded destination offers sweeping views of the sprawling metropolis and is popular among hikers and dog walkers.

During the closure, the Department of Water and Power will install a one-mile long, 6-inch water pipeline that snakes through the park from Runyon Canyon Road to Mullholand Drive. It's designed to improve the city's fire protection system, reduce pipe breaks and improve the quality of water for surrounding communities.

The DWP says there have been nearly three dozen leaks in the existing, decades old pipeline. Officials warn those leaks can damage the park and nearby neighborhoods by taking the form of sinkholes and mudslides.

"Public safety is the overarching reason to begin immediate work on this critical infrastructure project. This temporary closure, while inconvenient, is absolutely necessary in order to keep the surrounding neighborhoods safe by improving the park's fire and flood protection systems," said Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu.

Despite the closure the yoga field near the Fuller Avenue entrance will remain open throughout the construction project.

Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, though some construction could take place on weekends.

Alternative hiking spots include:

• Franklin Canyon Park, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive

• Fryman Canyon Park, 8401 Mulholland Drive, in Studio City

• Hollywood Reservoir, 6399 Weidlake Drive, in Hollywood

• Wilacre Park, 12601 Mulholland Drive, in Studio City