Know Before You Go: Traffic Warnings as Coachella Ends and Stagecoach Arrives

With the final day of Coachella Fest behind us, road congestion is back in full swing across the Coachella Valley. NBC Palm Springs traffic expert Chris Gunterson joined us for this week’s Know Before You Go to explain the most impacted routes and how to plan around them.

“Today is one of the busiest travel days for the area,” Gunterson said. “Jefferson Street, Washington Street, and Monroe Street are going to be packed from about 7:30 a.m. until noon.”

Gunterson points out that traffic control has been optimized with synchronized signals to help ease congestion, but residents should still expect delays. Once festival-goers leave the grounds, I-10 westbound will become the next major headache.

“If you're heading out of town westbound, now is the time to go,” he advised. “The freeway gets backed up all day long after noon.”

Looking ahead, Stagecoach is just around the corner. The third and final major festival of April brings in fewer people but a greater number of large vehicles, including motor coaches and trailers.

“You’ll see them arriving as early as 2 a.m. Thursday morning,” Gunterson said. “The bulk of that traffic will hit Monroe and Jefferson Streets, with some overflow on Washington.”

Traffic buildup will return each day of Stagecoach from 2 to 6 p.m. and again as fans leave the venue around midnight, continuing into the early morning hours.

Gunterson’s safe driving reminder? Stay off your phone and give extra space to large vehicles making turns.

“Big rigs need more room, especially at tight intersections. Give them space and avoid curb traps,” he said.

It’s been a hectic few weeks on the Valley’s roads, and patience remains key as the final wave of festivalgoers makes their way through town.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.