Street Projects in Palm Desert
Upcoming Projects
Fred Waring Construction
Roadwork is scheduled to begin on Fred Waring Drive between Elkhorn Trail and California Drive starting June 23, 2025, through July 03, 2025.
Please note the following planned lane closures:
- Monday, June 23 at 8:30 AM through Wednesday, June 25:
Westbound lanes #2 and #3 will be closed. - Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 AM through Monday, June 30:
Both eastbound and westbound lane #1 will be closed.
Final street paving is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2025.
To help inform motorists in advance, CMS boards have been in place since June 16, 2025, alerting drivers about the upcoming construction.
Summer Slurry Project
This summer, the City of Palm Desert will begin a slurry seal project on various arterial and residential roads starting in June. The project includes applying crack sealant, followed by slurry seal several days later to help extend the life of our roadways. Work on arterial roads will take place at night, while residential streets will be treated during the day. Please note that the schedule and affected roads may change. We appreciate your patience during this work, and please use caution when construction efforts are underway. For a map of affected roads, please click the link below.
El Paseo Improvements Begin This June - For more information on this project, please click here.
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 16 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)
- Phase 2: North side of El Paseo from Highway 74 to San Pablo Avenue (shown in yellow)
- Phase 3: South side of El Paseo from San Pablo Avenue to Portola Avenue (shown in green)
- Phase 4: North side of El Paseo, from San Pablo Avenue to Portola Avenue (shown in blue)
- Phase 5: South side of El Paseo from Portola Avenue to Highway 111 (shown in grey)
- Phase 6: North side of El Paseo, from Portola Avenue to Highway 111 (shown in orange)
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of September 2025.
The construction schedule is subject to change as the project progresses.
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
In late summer 2025, 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.
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.
Utility Projects
CVWD Construction – Cook Street Northbound
This summer, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) will begin work to install non-potable water lines along Cook Street between Hovely Lane East and the Whitewater Wash. Construction is anticipated to begin after June 5, 2025. Construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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 June 16, 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.