State approves $50 million for Indian Canyon bridge project

UPDATE 12-7-23:
The California Transportation Commission has awarded $50 million for Addressing Climate Change, Emergencies, and Sandstorms Project on Indian Canyon. The ACCESS project, spearheaded by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, aims to solve the frequent road closures that have plagued the City for decades.

The funding was unanimously approved as part of the CTC’s inaugural cycle of the Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program (LTCAP). Indian Canyon was one of only two projects statewide that received the CTC’s highest priority ranking. The project was also highlighted during the CTC’s meeting in the City of Riverside.

“This much needed funding for an elevated bridge at North Indian Canyon is absolutely outstanding news,” said Palm Springs Councilmember Lisa Middleton, who serves on CVAG’s Transportation Committee.

“Following the destructive impacts of the 2019 St. Valentine’s flood in Palm Springs, it became clear that a bridge at North Indian Canyon was desperately needed and we tripled our efforts, which has led to this terrific outcome. We are extremely grateful to the California Transportation Commission, CVAG, and all of the Coachella Valley cities for partnering with Palm Springs to help move this project forward. We understand the importance of Indian Canyon to thousands of Coachella Valley residents – and your relief is finally at hand.”

The road is a key artery in and out of Palm Springs, particularly for ambulances traveling to and from Desert Regional Medical Center. the only level 1 trauma center in the area.

Local leaders have been working on this bridge project for several years, but Tropical Storm Hilary in August reignited calls for state and federal funding to construct the bridge.

According to CVAG, Indian Canyon Dr was closed for 38 days during the first six months of 2023.