Drivers Brace For More I-10 Road Closures

Drivers in the valley continue to deal with longer commutes due to road closures and delays due to construction. Another series of closures is scheduled for Interstate 10 at the Palm Drive / Gene Autry Trail intersection to allow workers to demolish the old overpass.

Traffic will be diverted onto the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the freeway exit from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. tomorrow, said project manager Dennis Green. Depending on what is completed tonight, the freeway could also be closed again tomorrow night through early Wednesday, he said.

Motorists should expect around a 20-minute delay tonight.

The westbound stretch of the freeway will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, he said.

The traffic headaches has some drivers irritated and ready for a change. “It’s been a major pain in the neck,” said Palm Springs resident Curtis Knowles. “It takes me an extra, I’d say 20 minutes each day, and it’s been going on it seems like forever.”

Knowles understands the long term benefits of the project, a six lane overpass to ease the commute between Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, but he still isn’t happy. “So, in the long run, it will help I’m sure, but boy we sure are paying the price for it now, I’m ready for it to be completed.”

Desert Hot Springs resident John Cantrell keeps a positive outlook on the construction situation. “They’ve been working on it for a while. It’s getting closer,” said Cantrell. “They’re kind of like moved things around a little bit. It’s a mess as you can see right now, but in the future it’s going to be great.”

Cantrell offered his advice to drivers trying to deal with the increased congestion. “It is what it is. You’ve gotta deal with it for right now so just like a duck with water, just let it roll of your back, and don’t be in a big hurry and you’ll get there sooner or later.”

Officials are advising drivers to add approximately 20 minutes to their commute to deal with the closures and delays.