Night Construction Begins on Los Robles Sewer Project

Pasadena workers begin nightwork tonight on Los Robles Avenue sewer lines, using a trenchless method that city officials say will minimize disruption to residents and businesses.

Crews will clean, repair and reline damaged pipes between Parke Avenue and Maple Avenue each night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, May 23. The work uses cured-in-place pipe technology that inserts a resin-coated liner into existing pipes rather than digging up streets.

The segment is part of the city’s fiscal 2024-25 sewer relining and point repair project, which began in September 2024 and includes 25,000 linear feet of pipe cleaning and relining citywide, plus rehabilitation of 150 sewer manholes. The broader project is scheduled for completion in June.

The process creates a new pipe within the existing one by inflating the liner against inner walls and curing the resin with hot water, steam or ultraviolet light. Each segment takes two to three days to complete, covering approximately half a city block.

“Cured-in-place pipe lining is a cost- and time-effective alternative to digging up the area and replacing pipes,” said Carlos Andrés Córdoba Páez, a civil engineer and business strategist.

While less disruptive than traditional excavation, the overnight work still requires street access and may restrict travel lanes and parking. The curing process can produce temporary odors.

The Los Robles corridor includes residential and commercial properties, including apartment buildings at 400 N. Los Robles Ave. and 500 S. Los Robles Ave.

The city has previously conducted emergency sewer repairs, including fixing a collapsed sewer line in 2016 located in a slope easement west of 1040 Stoneridge Drive.