I-10 Closed Second Consecutive Night, Businesses Flourish

For the second time in two nights, interstate 10 was shut down for the second time in two nights Thursday.

The California Department of Transportation and the California Highway Patrol closed I-10 east at the Palm Drive exit to install the framework for the new freeway overpass — an inconvenience for drivers, but, a boost for local businesses.

Crews started shutting the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 just after 6 p.m.

“It’s a good thing I’m not going over there,” said Joe Balderrama.

Drivers heading through the valley from the Los Angeles area may be caught in the dark. But, warning signs were found several miles ahead of the closure.

Contract workers set up road closed signs every 400 feet from the Palm Drive, at least two miles before the exit.

Traffic was backed up several miles Wednesday night and through the morning following the westbound closure.

“My mom came and saw me at my friends house yesterday and was telling me that she had to leave at a certain time to get through last night,” said Crystal Barnes, traveling from Kansas.

Barnes’ mother avoided the traffic. But, Desert Hot Springs resident Rick Cuellar did not.

“It was a nightmare,” he said. “We had to cut through 111.”

Cuellar was caught off guard by Wednesday’s closure.

He was also unaware of Thursday’s shut down.

“I’m heading to Redlands and then we’re heading back this way,” he said. “You’re saying 8 p.m., so I better change my plans.”

Or, take an alternate route by exiting at Indian Canyon. Head north on Indian Avenue, west on Dillon Road, south on Palm Drive, east on Varner Road, then south to Date Palm Drive, which will get you back on the interstate.

“I’ve got two extra employees coming in and I don’t know what to expect,” said Scott Strickland, general manager of the Pilot gas station near the Indian Canyon exit. “I know it’s a hassle for the drivers… [but] hopefully, I’m going to bring some extra [customers] in for tomorrow morning.”

Complicating the situation further, the number one lane on I-10 west near Highway 62 was shutdown for nearly two hours Thursday, because a truck caught on fire.

But, according to CHP, the lane closure didn’t have an impact on the planned eastbound closure.

“We have brought in extra officers for that,” said John Getty, an officer with CHP.

Until 4 a.m. Friday morning, drivers will be forced to exit at Palm Drive using the off-ramp, then reenter the interstate using the on-ramp.

“I wish it could have been last weekend when everybody was at home,” said Cuellar. “This weekend everybody’s going to be out.”