Caltrans advises drivers to avoid I-10 as Coachella Fest wraps up

Officials with Caltrans are warning local commuters and those traveling from the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival that traffic delays are expected to be lengthy on I-10 from Beaumont to Indio on Monday.

The second weekend of Coachella Fest began on Friday and wrapped up Monday morning. Many festival attendees camp and leave the festival late Sunday night throughout Monday, traveling mostly on westbound I-10.

Last Monday, traffic was backed up for 30 miles between Indio and Beaumont causing delays up to four hours. Northbound traffic on Highway 111 was backed up for five miles.
Caltrans is urging drivers who use I-10, especially westbound, to try and avoid travel on Sunday afternoon through Monday evening if you want to avoid spending long hours in traffic with very few alternate routes.

If you must travel on I-10 between Indio and Beaumont during the weekend, officials provide the following tips:

Travel early in the morning before 9 a.m. on Sunday and Monday
Bring water, snacks, and necessary medication
Make sure your car is in good running condition
Bring a charged cell phone (with a car charger)
Use the bathroom before you travel
Please bring patience
Follow traffic on the Caltrans Quickmap to find out the best detour route, such as Hwy. 62 or Hwy. 74, to avoid driving on I-10

You can also sign up for community alerts at caltrans8.info.