Two storm-damaged lanes of N. Indian Canyon Drive could reopen next week following month-long closure
The drive in and out of Palm Springs could soon be easier for commuters trying to get around the area.
Two lanes of N. Indian Canyon Drive could reopen as soon as next week through the Whitewater Wash, weather-dependent, Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles announced during Tuesday's City Council meeting.
"We're cautiously optimistic to get that emergency access open up for the community," Stiles said. "Potentially as soon as next week, but I don't want to guarantee it because we've got continuing weather conditions, we've got a lot of blow sand.
There is no timeline for when the roadway could potentially reopen, also in part due to potential weather conditions, city officials told News Channel 3.
N. Indian Canyon Drive was severely damaged by extreme flooding brought about by Tropical Storm Hilary on Aug. 20.
"This road is absolutely totally impassable. It is not even recognizable to many of us," Palm Springs Councilmember Lisa Middleton said in a news conference on Aug. 24. "It will be probably somewhere around two months before we are able to reopen Indian Canyon."
City leaders originally said the roadway could be shut down until late October for repairs.
The city is working to obtain funding for a bridge along Indian Canyon, to avoid the consistent closures that have plagued the important roadway for years.
Indian Canyon Drive is crucial to access the West Valley's only hospital and trauma center, Desert Regional Medical Center. With the road out of commission, residents face delays which could prove critical during emergencies.
The city's most recent proposal for the bridge comes with a cost of approximately $74 million.
Councilmember Lisa Middleton said during Tuesday's meeting that city officials met with Governor Gavin Newsom's staff in Sacramento last week to discuss the issue with Indian Canyon and Gene Autry, as well as solutions.
The city has requested $50 million in state funding for the Indian Canyon Bridge project. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments has committed to providing an additional. $24 million, Middleton noted.
Middleton said city officials also met with local Congressman Ken Calvert to explore additional federal funding opportunities for Indian Canyon and Gene Autry. There is no specific application for a Gene Autry project at this time, but Middleton said significant progress was made
Palm Springs has federal funding for Vista Chino, but the project has not started.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
