Pools of oozing tar have prompted officials to put up signs warning drivers on Masselin Avenue Wednesday in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The leakage has been going on for a few days now and there have been reports of tar splattering onto cars that were driving down Masselin between Olympic Boulevard and 8th Street.

Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services workers put up cones and signs to help guide drivers around the sticky mess. Sand was also poured onto the asphalt to try and help dry up the mess.

Residents were told not to worry about tar bubbling up in their neighborhood, which is located about a half mile from the La Brea Tar Pits.

City officials believe a seepage pit built to contain tar in the area may have overflowed due to heavy winter rains and rising ground waters but are still investigating.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Bureau of Street Services said they are aware of the issue, but that it is a “naturally occurring feature of the area that can occur when the ground below the street is either saturated from rain or during extreme heat.”

“There are ‘sumps’ or collectors in place to collect any tar, which are being regularly pumped out and assessed. StreetsLA dispatched a contractor to the site last Friday when we were informed about the situation. The contractor cleaned the area and installed cautionary signs and barricades at the location to warn motorists. We will continue to monitor the location for additional maintenance needs. Claims for any related vehicle damage can be filed with the Office of City Clerk,” the statement read.

About four years ago, a similar situation occurred when tar poured onto the street near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Curson Avenue.