Palm Desert neighborhood gears up for new traffic circle
Lights went out Wednesday at the intersection of California Drive, Michigan Avenue and Avenue of the States in Palm Desert. They’re gearing up to close the intersection completely when construction crews break ground on a new traffic circle.
“It’s just like the La Quinta Cove,” said Phyllis Harkins of Palm Desert Country Club Association. “Alot of people weren’t happy about that traffic circle and everybody is used to it now.”
Construction on the nearly $300,000 single lane roundabout begins June 15. According to Harkins, it’s something the neighborhood needs.
“The roundabout traffic circle will have designated crossing areas for the pedestrians and everyone will see this is a crossing area,” she explained. “People will know to cross there and the drivers will see them.”
People who drive through the neighborhood say it will be an inconvenience.
“I have no idea why they’re doing all of this because I come here everyday and I get in and out just fine,” saidBill Lapointe of Palm Springs.
Regardless, people say they will learn to deal with it.
“You just can’t stop progress,” said Carmel Carbone of La Quinta.”If that means the betterment of the street then so be it we’ll have to be inconvenienced for a while.”
Construction of the roundabout will eliminate more than 20 street parking spaces.
“The city was very aware of the parking issue,” added Harkins. “So they’re building us a new parking lot that will have 21 parking spaces so our net loss is really only one parking spot.”
The streets are expected to re-open in August when construction crews complete the roundabout. Detour signs will be posted in the area. Click here to visit the Palm Desert Country Club Association website and learn more information including street closures and construction updates.
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