DWP Project To Close Runyon Canyon From April To July

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hollywood's favorite spot for hiking and outdoor exercise is set to close during the popular summer months.

The Runyon Canyon hiking trails and other areas in the park will be closed from April until July for a pipe replacement project, according to Councilman David Ryu's office. The yoga field, however, will remain open.

The Runyon Canyon Water System Improvement project, which will replace one mile of a six-inch pipe at the park, also includes upgrades to the fire protection system.

Crews will dig a trench along the winding fire road - a longtime favorite for locals to walk their dogs, go for a jog or simply take in the scenery - and then install the new pipeline, a task officials say is crucial to protect the park against fires and improve the water quality in the area.

The replacement project is "critical" for public safety, because the Fire Department depends on the nearly 100-year-old pipe to fight fires, according to Ryu aide Estevan Montemayor.

"I'm going to be really sad if they're really, truly closing it for a few months," one hiker said.

Over 30 weak spots vulnerable to leaks have been identified along the pipe by the Department of Water and Power, Montemayor said.

Officials were expected to announce more details on the closure Thursday.