Street Projects in Palm Desert
Upcoming Projects
El Paseo Improvements Begin This June
Beginning in June, the City of Palm Desert will launch a roadway resurfacing and pedestrian safety improvement project along El Paseo between Highway 74 and Highway 111.
To enhance the driving experience and create a safer, more inviting atmosphere for pedestrians, the project will be completed in five carefully staged phases designed to limit disruptions for businesses and visitors. Work begins June 1 with the temporary removal of all dining decks along the street.
Construction Phases:
Phase 1: South side of El Paseo from Highway 74 to San Pablo Avenue (shown in red below)
Phase 2: North side of El Paseo from Highway 74 to San Pablo Avenue (shown in yellow)
Phases 3 & 4: North and south sides of El Paseo from San Pablo Avenue to Portola Avenue (shown in green and blue). The direction of the initial closure will be shared as soon as it is determined.
Phase 5: Both directions of El Paseo from Portola Avenue to Highway 111 (shown in orange)
What to Expect:
Parking will be prohibited in areas near construction to allow two-way traffic along El Paseo.
Two-way traffic will be maintained on the non-construction side.
Access to businesses will remain open throughout the project.
In addition to pavement improvements, the City will install three new raised crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety and encourage walkability along this iconic corridor:
Between Ocotillo Drive and Sage Lane
Between Sage Lane and Lupine Lane
Between San Luis Rey Avenue and Portola Avenue
These crosswalks will be constructed using durable, visually appealing paver stones and are designed to help slow traffic while elevating the pedestrian experience.
The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-October. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we invest in the long-term vitality and safety of El Paseo.
Presidents Plaza #3 Improvements Planned for This Summer
This summer, the City of Palm Desert will begin maintenance work on Presidents Plaza #3, located between Sage Lane and Highway 74, bordered by El Paseo and Highway 111.
The project will include a slurry seal treatment and re-striping of the parking areas, helping to preserve the pavement and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the lot.
To minimize disruptions and ensure continued parking availability during the El Paseo Rehabilitation Project, this work has been carefully scheduled to take place while the El Paseo street construction project is focused on the area between San Pablo Avenue and Portola Avenue.
The Presidents Plaza #3 improvements are expected to take approximately one week to complete. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to invest in the infrastructure that supports our residents, businesses, and visitors.
Dinah Shore Traffic Realignment – Costco Entrance - Summer 2025
In response to the prevalence of traffic collisions at the Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore intersection, the City of Palm Desert is implementing a traffic realignment to improve safety for all drivers.
Starting in May 2025, delineators will be added to the right-hand turn lane from southbound Monterey Avenue onto Dinah Shore. This change will prevent drivers in other lanes of Dinah Shore from entering the first entrance to the Costco parking lot, requiring them to proceed to the next traffic light for access.
This realignment is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow and reduce accidents in high-traffic areas. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to make our streets safer for everyone.
Bridge Repair Work on Highway 111 at Parkview Drive
This summer, the City of Palm Desert will be performing repair work to the bridge on Highway 111 that crosses the Magnesia Falls flood channel at Parkview Drive.
The work will require one, and occasionally two lane closures in the westbound direction. To minimize traffic disruptions, the City is coordinating with CVAG and our internal staff to stagger traffic lights at Fred Waring, Parkview, Desert Crossing, and Town Center, helping to prevent excessive delays.
Please use caution when driving in this area and consider utilizing alternative routes. Dates for the lane closures have not yet been determined, but we will update this page with more information once they are available.
Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain and improve our city’s infrastructure.
High-Visibility Crosswalk Painting Underway at 12 Intersections
The City of Palm Desert is enhancing pedestrian safety by installing high-visibility crosswalk markings at 12 key intersections across the community.
To minimize traffic disruptions, all work will take place at night, and the project is expected to take several weeks to complete.
Drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution when traveling at night and to watch for crews and temporary traffic control in the work zones.
Thank you for helping keep our roads safe as we continue investing in improvements that benefit everyone in Palm Desert.
Modified Traffic Pattern - Traffic Light on Flash - Dick Kelly Drive at Gateway Drive
The traffic signal at Dick Kelly Drive and Gateway Drive is currently operating in a flashing red status due to damage sustained to the signal feedback loops during nearby construction. These loops, embedded in the roadway, detect vehicles and trigger signal changes, and their disruption has affected normal signal operation. The City is actively working with the developer to address and repair this issue; however, a specific timeline for completion has not yet been determined. In the meantime, drivers should treat the intersection as an all-way stop and proceed with caution.
Civic Center Parking Lot Construction Begins This Summer
Starting shortly after the Fourth of July celebration, the City of Palm Desert will begin construction in the Civic Center parking lot near City Hall to install solar canopies.
This project supports the City’s commitment to sustainability by adding renewable energy infrastructure to a key municipal site. Construction is expected to take several months to complete.
During this time, portions of the parking lot will be temporarily closed, and traffic patterns may shift. We ask all visitors to use caution when navigating the area and follow posted signage for safe access to City facilities.
Roadway Improvements Coming to Eldorado Drive
This summer, the City of Palm Desert will be removing and replacing the pavement on Eldorado Drive between Hovley Lane and Frank Sinatra Drive. In addition, the section of Eldorado Drive between Country Club and Frank Sinatra will be restriped to improve roadway conditions.
While traffic will continue to flow on Eldorado Drive during construction and residents will retain access to their communities, brief periods of noise, dust, vibration, and traffic delays may occur. The City appreciates your patience and understanding as we work to enhance safety and improve your driving experience.
For more information and project updates, please visit: www.engagepalmdesert.com/eldorado.
New Traffic Signals in Palm Desert
The City of Palm Desert has recently installed new traffic signals at the following intersections:
Gerald Ford Drive at Rembrandt Parkway
Marketplace Drive at Cook Street
These signals will be activated soon, so please be mindful of the new traffic patterns in these areas.
Additionally, in response to recent traffic collisions, the City is currently studying the feasibility of adding traffic lights at the following intersections:
Mesa Drive and Highway 74
Magnesia Falls and Monterey Avenue (northbound only)
If approved, these new signals are anticipated to be installed in 2026.
Traffic Advisory – Lane Closure on Southbound Portola Avenue for CVWD Project
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) recently completed work on Frank Sinatra Drive between Portola and Monterey Avenues as part of its ongoing non-potable water line installation project.
Crews have now moved to the next phase, which includes work in the right southbound lane of Portola Avenue, between Frank Sinatra Drive and Desert Willow Court. Construction will take place during working hours, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the lane closure in effect during this time. This work should continue until mid-May.
This project extends a non-potable water line to supply recycled water to nearby golf courses for irrigation purposes, reducing reliance on groundwater from CVWD’s well site.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area and to follow all posted signage. Thank you for your patience as this important sustainability project continues.
Upcoming CVWD Construction – Cook Street
This summer, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) will begin work to install non-potable water lines along Cook Street between Hovely Lane and the Whitewater Wash.
This project is part of CVWD’s ongoing effort to expand its recycled water system, which provides a sustainable irrigation source for local golf courses and landscaped areas.
Drivers may experience intermittent lane closures or traffic impacts during construction. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure upgrade moves forward.
SCE Underground Electrical Vault Replacement on Monterey Avenue
Southern California Edison (SCE) will begin infrastructure improvements in Rancho Mirage the week of May 13, 2025, with a project to replace an underground electrical vault on Monterey Avenue, near Magnesia Falls Drive.
To accommodate this work, the middle southbound lane of Monterey Avenue will be closed for approximately three weeks, with construction scheduled to be completed by May 27, 2025.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area and to consider alternate routes if possible, as this work may cause delays in traffic flow.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as SCE works to maintain and improve the reliability of electrical service in our community.
Road Closure Alert: Power Pole Replacement on Country Club Drive
Southern California Edison (SCE) will begin work the week of May 12, 2025, to replace aging power poles along the south side of Country Club Drive, between Portola Avenue and Cook Street.
To safely accommodate the use of a crane for lifting and installing the new poles, a full closure of Country Club Drive will be required in this area during the project.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes, as this closure will impact traffic flow along a major corridor.
We thank you for your patience as SCE upgrades essential infrastructure to help ensure reliable service for the community.
Haystack Road Slurry and Repainting
NEW DATES: Slurry sealing will now take place on Wednesday, December 18, and continue through Friday, December 20
The City of Palm Desert’s slurry seal project on Haystack Road is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 18, and continue through Friday, December 20. Crack sealing to the road surface will take place on Friday, December 6.
Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project. However, homeowners on Haystack Road should note that access to their driveways will be limited on one day during the project. We appreciate residents’ patience as we complete this essential road maintenance and enhance the quality of our infrastructure.
For any questions, please contact Neal Ennis, Project Manager for our Capital Projects team, at nennis@palmdesert.gov.
Traffic Alert: Cook Street Southbound Lane Closure Near Desert Willow Golf Resort
The City of Palm Desert will begin a landscaping enhancement project along the fencing adjacent to Desert Willow Golf Resort. To ensure the safety of all travelers and workers, this project will require temporary lane and sidewalk closures on Cook Street between Frank Sinatra Drive and Country Club Drive during working hours through mid-April.
Details:
- Project Schedule: Starting Thursday, January 23, work will take place Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., continuing until mid-April.
- Lane Closures: During working hours, the southbound bike lane and one automotive lane on Cook Street will be closed, leaving one lane of southbound traffic open. These lanes will reopen daily after 3:30 p.m. and remain open on weekends and holidays.
- Sidewalk Closure: The sidewalk on the west side of Cook Street will remain closed for the duration of the project. Pedestrians are strongly advised not to bypass sidewalk closure signs due to the presence of heavy equipment in the area.
Travel Tips:
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to:
- Plan ahead and consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays.
- Drive cautiously and follow all posted signs and detours in the area.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to beautify and enhance this area of Cook Street. For additional information, please contact the City of Palm Desert.
El Paseo & Painters Path Re-Striping - Includes only the west portion of El Paseo by Sandpiper, Palm to Pines Shopping Center and Entrada Del Paseo
The City of Palm Desert will soon begin street modifications on El Paseo and Painters Path. While both streets will maintain their current lane configurations, the unrestricted right turn from eastbound El Paseo onto Highway 74 will be removed to enhance driver safety at this intersection. New designated bike lanes will also be added to improve cyclists' safety.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the second week of October and is expected to last several weeks. Although the streets will remain open during the project, temporary lane shifts may occur to accommodate the work. Residents and businesses along this corridor may experience moderate noise as we remove existing lane markings. The City and our contractors will work diligently to minimize disruption to residents, shoppers, and commuters, and we appreciate your patience during this time.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact the City of Palm Desert Project Manager, Neal Ennis, at nennis@palmdesert.gov or 760-776-6493.
San Pablo Closure - Near Civic Center Skate Park
On Tuesday, December 17, a portion of San Pablo Avenue will be temporarily closed for several hours to allow for the safe removal of a large, dying tree near the Palm Desert Civic Center Skate Park (located between the skate park and the bike path).
Road Closure Details:
- Closed Area: San Pablo Avenue from the Civic Center entrance (near City Hall) to the roundabout leading to the College of the Desert.
- Open Access:
- The Civic Center entrance on San Pablo (near City Hall) will remain open.
- The roundabout and all three other access points—College of the Desert, the Civic Center, and San Pablo north of the roundabout—will remain accessible to vehicles.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety and health of our community spaces.
El Paseo & San Pablo Repair Work
The City of Palm Desert is undertaking essential road repairs at the intersection of El Paseo and San Pablo. This project commenced on July 9, 2024, and is scheduled for completion by July 11, 2024. While the intersection remains open, traffic pattern modifications have been implemented to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our city's infrastructure.
El Paseo Curb Ramp Replacement
Throughout the months of August and September, a contractor for the City of Palm Desert will be replacing all sidewalk curb ramps to ensure all of our sidewalks are compliant with Federal ADA regulations. This effort will affect all ramps to crosswalks and various driveway entrances. The construction team will work from Highway 74 to Highway 111. To ensure ease of use of the sidewalks, the contractor will upgrade only one or two curb ramps at an intersection at a time. The project will start early in the morning so that prime shopping hours will be less affected. You may see that an intersection corner will be closed for a day or two. Traffic patterns on El Paseo will not change, but side streets may have one lane closed at a time during construction.
Hwy. 74 Night Restriping Project Begins November 13-18
Calstripe, the contractor for restriping Hwy. 74, will begin operations to refresh lane markings from the southern to the northern city limits on Wednesday, November 13, starting around 9 p.m. All work will take place during nighttime hours, with crews wrapping up each morning by 6 a.m. to minimize disruption for drivers.
The project is scheduled to be completed by Friday, November 15. However, if additional time is needed, Calstripe will return on Monday, November 18, to complete the work. No lane closures are expected during the project. Our team will monitor progress daily to ensure quality and request adjustments if necessary. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance safety and clarity on Hwy. 74.
City of Palm Desert Initiates Traffic Signal Re-wiring and Cabinet Upgrade Project
Starting October 21, 2024, the City of Palm Desert will begin a new project to rewire traffic signals and replace traffic equipment at multiple intersections within the city. The project aims to enhance the functionality and overall performance of signals at key intersections.
Each intersection will have a temporary non-operational status for up to three days. Appropriate temporary traffic control devices will be installed during construction. The intersections affected by these improvements include:
- October 21: Country Club Drive and Suncrest/Regent
- October 22-24: Country Club Drive and Liberty/Resorter
- October 28-30: Fred Waring Drive & Monterey Avenue
- October 31-November 4: Hovley Lane East and Beacon Hill/Largo
- November 5-12: Hovley Lane East and Corporate Way
- November 13: Monterrey Avenue and Shadow Ridge Road
- November 14-19: Monterrey Avenue and Hahn/San Gorgonio Way
- November 20-21: Highway 111 and Town Center Way/El Paseo
- November 25-27: Hovley Lane East and Casbah Way
Please note that the schedule may change, and traffic delays may occur at these intersections on their rewiring date. Residents and commuters are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid delays. The City of Palm Desert expresses appreciation for the community's cooperation and understanding during these essential infrastructure improvements.
Autumn 2024 Residential Street Slurry Seal=
The City of Palm Desert’s slurry seal project is nearing completion! This week, the final small sections of roadway scheduled for slurrying include Alessandro Alley, De Anza Way, Shadow Mountain Way, and Coral Bell Circle.
These projects are planned for Friday, December 6, and Monday, December 9, and will require one-day road closures for each location except for Alessandro Alley, which will continue to be open for traffic. Please refer to the map on the right for specific details. Road painting will be applied to all recently slurred streets later this month.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our City’s roadways.
Haystack & Highway 74
Starting July 15, 2024, a project will commence at the intersection of Highway 74 and Haystack Road to enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improve infrastructure and ensure safe, efficient, and enjoyable pedestrian use within the City of Palm Desert. The project will include the installation of new crosswalks, updated traffic signals, and enhanced lighting. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period and look forward to the positive impact these improvements will bring to our community.
- Final Plans
- Project Timeline
- Traffic Control Map - Traffic control may be in place briefly when adjusting traffic signals.
Garden Box Replacement Project - Closure of San Nicholas during non-peak traffic times
A full street closure will take place on San Nicholas near San Pablo Avenue to remove and replace community garden boxes. This closure will take place during non-peak traffic hours, which include 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., then again from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from 9/25/2024 to 10/10/2024.
Civic Center Slurry Seal Project
The Civic Center parking lot will undergo a capital improvement in September to rehabilitate the condition of the pavement and improve ADA compliance. This project will be done in two phases. The first phase is from the Fred Waring entrance to the Civic Center entrance near the Palm Desert skate park. Phase two is from the skate park to the pickleball courts and baseball fields. Each phase will be broken into smaller segments to allow some traffic flow, but if you're coming to Civic Center to visit the park, City Hall, or one of the many tenants, such as the YMCA, please be prepared to park further from your destination than usual.
- Phase One: Click here for a map of the project site(page two of document)
- Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28: Crack seal, slurry, and strip all of Civic Center in three sections.
- Phase Two will take place in early 2025. A project schedule will be posted on this site when it becomes available.
Southbound Monterey Avenue at Gerald Ford Drive
Project Overview:
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) will begin a water installation project that impacts the southbound lanes of Monterey Avenue at Gerald Ford Drive, including work within the intersection. While the project is located in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert residents and visitors may experience delays.
Work Schedule:
- December 3: Pre-construction preparations.
- December 5-12: Staking from 5:00 AM to noon. Signal on standby from 5:00-7:00 AM.
- December 9-13: Night work from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (traffic control removed by 7:00 AM). Signal in flashing mode during work hours.
- December 16-20: Night work from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (traffic control removed by 7:00 AM). Signal in flashing mode during work hours.
- December 23 - January 3: No work due to holidays.
- January 6-10: Night work south of the intersection from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Signal in normal operation. Flashing mode may be requested if traffic issues arise.
- January 13-17: Night work south of the intersection from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Signal in normal operation. Flashing mode may be requested if traffic issues arise.
- January 17: Temporary paving of the surface.
- Final Paving: To be determined.
What to Expect:
- Lane closures in the project area during nighttime hours.
- Possible signal changes, including flashing mode during work hours.
- Traffic control measures will be removed each morning by 7:00 AM.
Plan Ahead:
Expect potential delays and consider alternate routes, especially during nighttime construction hours. Your patience is appreciated as CVWD works to complete this important infrastructure improvement.
San Pablo Closure - January 22, 2025
San Pablo will be closed on January 22, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, between Catalina and San Nicholas. The closure is necessary to safely install 48 concrete garden boxes in the nearby community garden using a large crane. For safety reasons, a full road closure will be in effect during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve the area.