Roadwork Brings Valley Delays

Drivers traveling through Palm Desert and Cathedral City should prepare for temporary lane closures and traffic delays as two roadway improvement projects move forward across the Coachella Valley.

In Cathedral City, crews are completing pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of 30th Avenue and San Eljay Avenue, near James Workman Middle School. Construction began Wednesday, July 22, and is scheduled to continue through Tuesday, July 28.

Work is taking place from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures, temporary traffic controls and possible delays while crews are present.

The project includes new LED pedestrian safety lighting, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and curb extensions designed to shorten the distance pedestrians must travel across the intersection. Crews are also installing updated pavement markings, advanced warning signs and a new asphalt surface.

The improvements are intended to make the intersection safer and more visible, particularly for students and other pedestrians traveling near the middle school.

Meanwhile, the City of Palm Desert is preparing to begin roadway and intersection improvements along Monterey Avenue. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, August 3.

Initial work will focus on the northbound lanes of Monterey Avenue between Gerald Ford Drive and the Interstate 10 overpass. Construction between Dinah Shore Drive and Interstate 10 is expected to affect both northbound and southbound traffic.

The Palm Desert project will rehabilitate aging asphalt and include repairs or upgrades to curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals and other roadway infrastructure. The work is designed to improve accessibility, intersection safety and traffic operations along the busy corridor.

Residents, motorists and nearby businesses may experience temporary lane closures, traffic delays, construction noise and intermittent changes to driveway access as crews move through the project area. City officials say access to surrounding businesses will be maintained whenever possible.

Drivers traveling through both construction zones are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs and watch for workers and equipment. Motorists should allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes when traffic is especially heavy.

Construction schedules remain subject to change because of weather, material availability and other unforeseen conditions.