Road Work Ahead: La Quinta Paving, Rancho Mirage Intersection Going Dark This Week

It's time for Know Before You Go, your weekly heads-up on road work across the Coachella Valley, produced in partnership with the CV Sync Traffic Management program. Kris Gunterson, CV Sync's program manager, joined us from the Traffic Management Center in Thousand Palms with what you need to know before you hit the road this week.

La Quinta: Miles Avenue Resurfacing, Washington Street to Jefferson Street

A new paving project kicks off today on Miles Avenue in La Quinta, running between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. This week, crews are starting on the curbs and curb ramps, so westbound traffic will be down to one lane to start. Gunterson says the work will move from east to west one block at a time, with a full grind and overlay planned throughout, so expect heavy equipment in the area for several weeks. The project is scheduled to wrap up around the third week of July.

If you can avoid the area, Gunterson recommends using Fred Waring Drive or Highway 111 as alternate routes. If you do drive through, slow down and stay alert around the construction equipment.

Rancho Mirage: Highway 111 and Indian Trail, Intersection Goes Dark

In April, a fatal crash at the intersection of Highway 111 and Indian Trail caused significant damage, including to the wiring connecting the signal cabinet. Today, crews are going back in to pull new wire and redo the conductors. That means the intersection will be dark, with stop signs out, while the work is underway.

Gunterson says treat it like any all-way stop, one car at a time, and be patient with other drivers doing the same. If you want to skip it altogether, Country Club Drive, Fred Waring Drive, or Gerald Ford Drive are all good options to get between the east and west valley.

Palm Desert: Highway 111, San Pablo Avenue to Highway 74

Just east of the Rancho Mirage intersection, a landscaping project on Highway 111 between San Pablo Avenue and Highway 74 is carrying over from last week. Inside lanes remain closed. Gunterson says crews planned to wrap up today, June 8, but with the summer heat ramping up, it could run a day longer. Expect some slowdowns along that stretch.

Zipper Up

With lane closures in multiple spots this week, Gunterson is reminding drivers to use the zipper method when merging, taking turns one car at a time rather than racing ahead and cutting in. It keeps traffic moving smoother for everyone.

Brace yourselves, Gunterson says, it's going to be a busy construction summer across the valley. For live traffic conditions and the latest project updates, visit cv-sync.com.