Gene Autry Wind Wall Woes

Palm Springs’ multi-million-dollar wind wall along North Gene Autry Trail is facing renewed scrutiny after the roadway was closed again Tuesday because of blowing sand and low visibility.

The 590-foot-long wall, unveiled by the City of Palm Springs in February, was built as part of a $2.1 million project intended to reduce drifting sand, improve visibility, and help keep the busy roadway open during high wind events.

But just months after its completion, motorists are still encountering dangerous driving conditions near the wall.

Viewer video sent to NBC Palm Springs over the weekend shows several vehicles losing traction while driving through heavy patches of sand and debris that accumulated along the roadway. In one close call, a vehicle appeared to slide toward oncoming traffic while attempting to navigate the drifting sand.

On Tuesday afternoon, Palm Springs Police closed the same stretch of Gene Autry Trail, citing blowing sand and poor visibility. As of the time of writing on Wednesday, the stretch of roadway is still closed. 

In a statement to NBC Palm Springs, City Engineer Joel Montalvo said the wall “is performing as expected,” but clarified that it “is not designed to eliminate all sand accumulation.”

“Engineering and Public Works staff will continue to monitor sand accumulation across all travel lanes over the next year,” Montalvo said. “Rather, its purpose is to reduce impacts to the traveling public and improve the efficiency of sand removal and cleanup efforts.”

Motorists who regularly travel through the area told NBC Palm Springs they have noticed some improvement since the wall was installed, but say closures and sand buildup remain a significant concern.

NBC Palm Springs has also requested data from the Palm Springs Police Department regarding road closures and traffic incidents before and after the wind wall’s construction. Officials say they are currently working to provide that information.

NBC Palm Springs will continue following the story and provide updates as more data becomes available.