Plans underway for new bridge project on Avenue 50 in La Quinta

Initial plans are underway for a new bridge project on Avenue 50, a portion of which is prone to flooding and oftentimes shuts down during stormy weather.

The City Council last week approved an agreement with Mark Thomas & Company to provide plan specifications and engineering services for the project, which will replace the existing low-water crossing.

The bridge will be constructed in between Washington Street just past La Quinta Evacuation Channel, before Harry Truman Elementary School and La Quinta Middle School.

The City has received funding authorization from Caltrans to begin preliminary engineering.

In December 2023, the City Council provided direction to complete construction in one stage, which will require a full shut down and detour.

An estimated $2.3 million has already been set aside for the project, which is estimated to have a total cost $16.3 million.

Caltrans will have to review and approve the agreement before the preliminary engineering and environmental phases can begin.

Cobstruction is anticipated to start in 2026 or 2027.

Watch News Channel 3 at 6:00 to hear from City Engineer Bryan McKinney about the project.