Indio provides updates to Avenue 44 low water crossing replacement project
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Construction crews in Indio are making progress on the Avenue 44 low water crossing replacement project. City officials say crews are focusing on the bridge’s stem walls and forming installations and concrete placement.
Donn Uyeno, the City of Indio’s Principal Civil Engineer, said the project is waiting on various utility companies to add their lines, which will allow crews to finish the remainder of the bridge.
“Once the gas company, the telecom companies, the water department installs their lines in the bridge, then we can pour the deck over,” Uyeno said.
August 19, 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary brought heavy rain and flooding which damaged the infrastructure and property around Avenue 44. Officials say the storm overwhelmed local drainage systems and washed away a section of Avenue 44 at the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel. It had been repeatedly damaged on five other occasions before Hilary.
After Hilary, Indio received approval from Caltrans to move forward with a $35 million bridge, funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program, Measure A Funds, CVAG Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee and Development Impact Fees.
Construction began in August 2024, but residents in the area have been without the Avenue 44 connection from Jackson Street to nearly Golf Center Parkway since 2023. Crews ask locals for their continued patience while they add the essential bridge to the community.
“Obviously not having your main road for since 2023 has been kind of a torn in their side,” Uyeno said. “But…we’re actually doing a permanent repair.”
A permanent repair that is needed especially as it was a daily commute road for residents. Uyeno said the City is forecasting for some traffic to reopen on the bridge by Spring 2026, and for the full opening by Summer 2026.
For more information on the project visit indio.org.
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear the low water crossing replacement project updates and timeline hopes.
