Coachella traffic chokes up local roads
Highways leading to the desert slowed down this afternoon as Coachella festivalgoers flocked to Indio for the start of the annual music and art extravaganza that began Friday.
Earlier in the day, motorists flew right through the 60 and 10 freeways on their way to the desert with partly cloudy skies on the horizon. The same thoroughfares slowed as the freeways converged in Moreno Valley.
In some spots, vehicles were crawling at an average of 26 miles per hour, according to Sigalert.com, although traffic cleared up just outside of Beaumont for a straight shot to the festival lands that are drenched in sun at mid-80s highs.
Travelers say the traffic is worth the Coachella festival experience.
“We love it, embrace every minute, yes, even the traffic,” said Jasminen Jeremyy from Australia. Jeremy landed in LAX and drove three hours to get to Indio.
Some locals are driving for rideshare companies to make money off the influx in people.
“I expect to clear at least $1,500 and thats only for 30 hours work, and I’m well on my way,” said Eddie Velazquez of Desert Hot Springs.
Indio city officials warned motorists to expect the following traffic delays on the following stretches through Sunday:
Southbound Jefferson, Washington and Monroe streets from the 10 Freeway to Avenue 52; Avenue 48 between Jefferson and Jackson streets; Highway 111 at Jefferson and Monroe streets; Eastbound 10 Freeway exits at Jefferson, Monroe, and Washington streets. Several significant road closures are also planned Friday through Monday: Avenue 49 between Hjorth and Monroe streets; Avenue 50 between Madison and Jackson streets; Hjorth Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 50; and Madison Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52
City officials recommend that northbound and southbound motorists use Washington, Jackson and Calhoun streets as well as Golf Center Parkway; while east-west travelers were advised to use Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard and Avenue 54.
Whether you are an early bird or a late bloomer, Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae and The 1975 are among the headliners who kicked off the festival.
Tame Impala, Kid Cudi and Billie Eilish will perform on Saturday. Sunday will be capped off with appearances from Ariana Grande and H.E.R.
Indio officials strongly encouraged festivalgoers to take advantage of the Any Line Shuttle, which costs $80 for the entire weekend and services hotels in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and other local resorts.
Information on the Any Line Shuttle is available at this link.
