Varner Road has long been one of the most talked-about trouble spots in the Coachella Valley, but for a while now, there’s been nothing new to report—until now.
At a recent Desert Hot Springs City Council meeting, Tom Kirk, Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), offered a long-awaited update. Plans are officially moving forward to redesign the heavily damaged stretch of Varner Road between Palm Drive and Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City.
“We all know that stretch needs help in a big way,” said Kirk. “We now have an agreement with Cathedral City to fully design that section of roadway. It’s a fairly extensive contract, and we’re leading the design team.”
CVAG is covering 75% of the cost for the design phase, with Cathedral City contributing the remaining 25%. While this is a significant step forward, actual construction remains at least 18 months to two years away—and only if funding for the build phase can be secured.
That long timeline might be frustrating for daily commuters, but it’s the first concrete movement the project has seen in years.
So while we’re not flying over potholes just yet, Varner Road is officially back on the radar—and that’s a start.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 22, 2025
