Bridge construction could slow holiday traffic east of Coachella Valley

Caltrans is reminding motorists to be cautious and patient this holiday weekend east toward Phoenix and the Colorado river.

Motorists can expect some delays at the washed-out Tex Wash crossing a half hour’s drive east of Coachella in Desert Center.

It collapsed last month during a violent thunderstorm where flood waters undermined it’s support columns.

Interstate 10 was shut down for 5 days east of the Coachella Valley afterward.

The most likely time for delays will be eastbound at the bridge Friday evening and Monday evening westbound.

So far, the project to rebuild the bridge is on schedule and it should be back up to four lanes by the end of September.

In the meantime, Caltrans encourages motorists to slow down to 45 miles per hour within construction zones, be patient, merge early and again expect delays.

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