A long-planned bridge replacement project in South Palm Springs is creating waves—not from rushing water, but from rising concern among nearby business owners.
The bridge in question spans Tahquitz Creek, and while necessary repairs are scheduled and funded, local car wash owner Bob says the impact on his business could be devastating. Bob owns Desert Hand Car Wash, located directly adjacent to the bridge site. The problem? His business depends on customers using a center turn lane to access the property—a lane that may soon disappear under the city’s current construction plan.
Mark Talkington of the Palm Springs Post joined the Roggin Report to explain the issue. “There are six bridge projects going on in Palm Springs right now,” Talkington said. “But the one causing the most concern this week is down south, near Bob’s car wash.”
To complete the work, crews are expected to close half the bridge at a time—common practice for such projects—but the construction would reduce four traffic lanes to two for an extended period. Critically, that shift would eliminate the center turn lane many drivers use to access Bob’s business. Without it, he fears his customer traffic will plummet.
“He’s the only business in that immediate area,” said Talkington. “And he’s right—most people won’t take a long, looping detour just to get a car wash. They’ll just drive by.”
While city officials may have considered traffic flows, Bob says no one asked how the project would impact his business operations. He’s voiced concerns at public meetings and reached out to media outlets to raise awareness.
The city appears to be reviewing the feedback, but with funding deadlines looming, time and traffic wait for no one.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 23, 2025
