Work Begins On Gene Autry/Palm Drive Interchange

KESQ.com News Services

PALM SPRINGS -Work is expected to begin March 1 on the Gene Autry Interchange, which will include a new six-lane overcrossing, new ramps and a widening of the bridge over the railroad.

Work has already begun at the southwest coroner of Bob Hope Drive and Ramon Road to build an interchange to replace the current Ramon Road exit.

Construction on a new six-lane overcrossing for Indian Canyon Drive is set to begin later this year.

Additional improvement projects are slated for Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City, Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert and Jefferson Street in Indio.

“These interchange improvements are important to Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley — and will not only create much needed new jobs, but also reduce congestion and improve our air quality,” said Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet.

Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit said the Ramon Road interchange is estimated to cost around $25.5 million, while the Gene Autry Trail project should cost around $17 million.

“These six major projects arrive at an opportune time, creating 2,200 new jobs and supporting hundreds more with additional benefits to our local economy,” Benoit said.

The Gene Autry Trail project will receive $10.5 million in federal stimulus funds, according to the Riverside County Transportation Department.