VIDEO: Flood waters, debris slam Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has a tentative reopening date of April 1, about a month and a half after it initially shut down due to a historic storm which rolled through the region on Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, Cara Youngman, public relations manager for the Tram, shared videos and photos providing a first look at just how intensely the storms struck one of the area’s most popular attractions.
“There was a 70-year flood, we got more rain than the desert has seen in a while caused it to come down the mountain and essentially cause some flooding,” Cara Youngman, the Public Relations Manager for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, told News Channel 3’s Sarah Trott on February 22.
On February 27, the exact repairs needed were detailed, expanding on the initial damage assessment sent out on February 19.
Repair work to the washed-out portion of Tram Way should be completed by the end of this week. Upon completion of road repairs, heavy equipment will be brought up to remove debris, such as rocks and trees. Contractors will begin repairs to the main power line (to restore power to the Mountain Station) and repair the Valley Station’s fire suppression system. Crews are digging out dirt and debris currently blocking the intake valve to the Valley Station water tank. Once refilled and properly treated, potable water will be available at the Valley Station. In addition to the previously reported water damage at the Mountain Station, some minor roof damage has been discovered. Additional minor damage to Tram Way has been identified.
Fortunately for Palm Springs Aerial Tramway employees, the repair-related shutdown doesn’t mean weeks without paychecks; they will be paid through March 31.
