Yes, it was water from the Oxford Basin that was flowing onto Oxford Avenue, both on the north and south sides of Washington Blvds, Thursday night, starting around 8 pm. The street was almost dry at 6 am Friday morning. See previous story.
Josh Svensson, County Department of Public Works engineer for the redo of the Oxford Basin, stated early Friday morning that it was opened flood gates coupled with the high tide. The gates were being worked on during the day and apparently the bladder “didn’t work,” he said.
Kerjon Lee, media spokesperson for the County Department of Public Works, stated Friday night that the tide gates are closed and will remain so until Monday morning. Work will continue on the gates Monday.
What looked like breaks in the road at night were either drains or sewer caps. It was hard to tell what was happening in the dark.
The water cascading from the Harbor Cross was actually a drain and the eruption on Howard at Oxford was actually a couple of sewer caps.
Following is official statement from County Department of Public Works:
-
On Thursday evening, one of the two air bladders being used to seal the leaking tide gates at Oxford Basin became unanchored. These air bladders were installed by the contractor for use in draining the basin to complete work below the water line.
When the air bladder became dislodged, the water level within the Oxford Basin began to rise with the high tide within the Marina, which peaked at around 9 PM. This led to a back flow of water onto some local streets. Public Works staff is currently on site and working with the contractor to ensure this issue is resolved before the next high tide at approximately 10 pm tonight.
Residents may contact Vincent Yu at (626) 300-3203 or vyu@dpw.lacounty.gov with any questions. Public Works also maintains a 24-hour dispatch center at (626) 458-4357.
Harbor Crossing drain.
Howard at Oxford where water was seen bubbling.
