Hollywood Hills

In November 1998, Kiewit Pacific Co., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, began construction of the world's largest prestressed concrete tanks. Located on the southern slope of the Santa Monica Mountains below the famous "Hollywood" sign, this $86 million project's main components included construction of two 30-million-gallon underground water storage tanks and a 1-mi.-long by 10-ft.-dia. tunnel bypass system north of the existing Hollywood Reservoir Complex.

Additional work included one million cu. yd. of soil and rock excavation; construction of four separate fill disposal areas; an extensive shoring system with a 390-ft.-long by 86-ft.-high slurry wall; an 80-ft.-deep inlet/outlet structure; a 1,200-ft.-long by 6-ft.-dia. utility tunnel; a regulator station; and four additional tunnels running more than 6,000 ft. The tanks are supported by 256 interior columns located on 20-ft. centers to handle the weight of 7 ft. of soil covering the tanks.

The project provides safer drinking water for nearly 500,000 area customers and helps the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power meet federal water quality standards. Completed in September 2002, the project addressed community concerns regarding aesthetics and preserving the sensitive environment.