Summer Construction Heats Up – Here’s What to Watch This Week

We’re back with your Know Before You Go update, where CV Sync Program Manager Kris Gunterson breaks down the roadwork projects you’ll want to steer clear of across the Coachella Valley. And this week, one word says it all: construction.

🚧 Palm Desert: Storm Drain Repairs Continue on Fred Waring

We’re starting in Palm Desert, where a project on Fred Waring Drive was supposed to wrap up last week — but as with many construction jobs, a few unexpected issues popped up. Crews are replacing a damaged storm drain in the eastbound lanes, and work is now expected to finish Monday or Tuesday.

👷 Delays: Mild, but still noticeable
🛣️ Best detours: Try Avenue 42 or Highway 111 to avoid backups.

🛠️ La Quinta: Highway 111 Rehab Gears Up for Paving

The massive Highway 111 pavement restoration project in La Quinta is already slowing things down — and it’s only just begun. Right now, crews are focused on curbs, gutters, and ADA ramps, but the congestion is already worse than expected due to cement trucks and prep work.

📍 Current focus area: Near Plaza La Quinta, working eastward
🗓️ Paving starts: July 14 — expect much heavier traffic once that begins

🚦 To keep traffic moving, signals on Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue are being adjusted for extra green time.
📲 Pro Tip: Sign up for weekly alerts via the project’s QR code — they’ll show where crews will be working each week.

🚗 Avoidance routes: Fred Waring and Miles Avenue remain your best options.

🏗️ Cathedral City: Road Widening Near Shopping Center

In Cathedral City, construction continues along East Palm Canyon Drive near the new shopping center. Eastbound traffic is most impacted, as crews manage three traffic signals to keep things moving — but some delays are unavoidable.

🗓️ Expected wrap-up: Late July or early August

🚗 Alternate routes: Use Gerald Ford Drive or Ramon Road to skip the congestion.

🛑 Driving Safety Tip of the Week: Trust the Signs

Kris Gunterson’s safety tip this week is a good one:

If you see a sign that says “Right Lane Closed Ahead,” believe it.

Too many drivers wait until the last second to merge — and that leads to dangerous cut-ins and sudden slowdowns. Even if you’ve seen signs up before that weren’t followed by actual construction, this summer is different. Trust the signs. Plan early. Drive safe.