Massive traffic jams throughout the Coachella Valley
The aftermath of Thursday’s storm has left a ton of congestion on roads in Palm Springs and Cathedral City, creating a nightmare for drivers.
“I don’t know what they’re gonna do about this street it’s a big problem,” said Sharon Kolb, a commuter.
People told News Channel 3 they are missing flights in this traffic, trying to get out and walk to their destination, some have even reported fights breaking out on the road.
“Yeah, it was complete bumper to bumper and everybody’s just pulling U-turns and trying to find side streets and then they’re just coming back out and leaving,” said Doug Debettencourt, a commuter driving to Palm Springs.
Road conditions left main thoroughfares closed as crews work to clean up damage from the storm. Ramon Road was backed up in all westbound lanes for miles.
“It said it was 3.1 miles on the phone and 36 minutes,” Debettencourt said.
Those waiting for the bus had to endure a long wait.
“The bus is my limousine. I’ve been taking the bus for 17 years but I’ve never seen it quite like this there’s so much traffic,” said Sharon Kolb, a commuter waiting for the bus.
Traffic backed up on Interstate 10 as well. Cars were turned around at the Gene Autry on-rap due to a traffic jam.
Many drivers were diverted to side streets like Varner Road in Cathedral City.
“We got two main arteries in the city that normally handle a whole lot of traffic are shut down and so we have a big mess going on with a lot of traffic being diverted down these side roads,” said Desert Hot Springs Councilmember Russell Betts.
Betts said he believes bridges are a possible solution to this problem.
“I think bridges. If we can let this water pass under the roads instead of going over them and taking them out but of course that takes a lot of dollars,” Betts said. “We’ve just got to put in for those funds, federal and state dollars and regional dollars, to get that to happen. There’s gotta be a push to get that to happen.”
Other commuters shared the same thought.
“They have to build that bridge up there off vista chino. That would stop all this,” said Luis Tijerna, a commuter.
Drivers are being urged throughout this storm clean-up to “pack their patience”
Remember to check your traffic apps and leave way ahead of time to your location. Right now, there is no easy way around the mess this storm has left behind.
