DLNews Citizens Complain:

In the heart of Cathedral City, a tale of two roads unfolds. Varner Road, once a picturesque ribbon winding through the Coachella Valley, offering breathtaking views from the San Gorgonio Mountains to San Jacinto, now finds itself in an identity crisis. This road, a lifeline connecting Desert Hot Springs with Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert, has morphed from an idyllic path to a pothole-riddled gauntlet.

Gone are the days when Varner Road was a tranquil back road. Today, it stands as a crucial artery for Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs, yet it still needs to be improved for the bustling traffic it bears. This transformation has not been kind. Two decades of neglect have left a mile of potholes and decay, a veritable obstacle course that threatens drivers and is a menace to their vehicles.

At Edom Hill, Varner Road becomes a slow dance of heavy traffic, where trucks lumber in and out, creating a bottleneck crying out for a traffic signal and additional turn lanes. More than just an alternate route to I-10, Varner Road is a vital lifeline during dust storms, providing primary access for first responders and travelers alike. Yet, its current state is far from being a haven.

The woes of Varner Road are not just tales whispered among the locals; they are loud laments shared by many. Drivers like Ana Quintana and Audrey Madrigal narrate their ordeals of flat tires, damaged rims, and bubbled tires, making it clear that this road is more than just a nuisance; it's a hazard. The road's disrepair is not hidden; it's evident in the jagged asphalt and the worn shoulders, especially southeast of Date Palm Drive.

Despite some spot repairs, the community's outcry remains strong. Residents like Quintana remind us of the city's duty to maintain roads funded by their taxes. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments is poised to prioritize valley road repair projects, with Varner Road hopefully at the top of the list. The estimated resurfacing cost of $4 to $7 million hangs in the balance, with no clear timeline for commencement.

Varner Road's story is also a narrative of city planning and its unforeseen consequences. The 2009 Comprehensive General Plan by the City of Cathedral City envisioned grand developments and road expansions. Yet, this ambition seems to clash with the reality of less than 2,500 daily vehicle trips and a struggling road maintenance budget. Why expand when maintenance is already a challenge?

Residents are left to ponder: why does a city grappling with maintaining its current roads seek to expand and compound its problems? Varner Road, Date Palm Drive, and Ramon Road testify to a city's struggle to balance growth with sustainability. The citizens' call is clear – prioritize the present, mend the roads that bind the community, and ensure a smoother journey for all.

In conclusion, Varner Road's transformation from a scenic route to a treacherous trail highlights the need for immediate action. The community's voice is not just a plea; it's a demand for safe, well-maintained roads that respect the city's natural beauty and its residents' safety. It's time to turn the page on Varner Road's bumpy journey and steer towards a smoother, more secure future.