Highway 111 improvement project in La Quinta pushed to mid-2025 amid funding delay

An improvement project along La Quinta's stretch of Highway 111, which begins west of Washington Street and ends at Jefferson Street, has been pushed back to May 2025.

The project – which was originally planned for this summer – will repave the two-mile length of Highway 111, which the city says 38,000 motorists drive through daily.

The city says the delay stems from how long it took for the federal government to pass last year's budget. When it finally passed in March – which included $4 million for this project – it had a domino effect on the city's plans.

According to the city, the money has to funnel its way through CalTrans. The city has to apply for that money over the course of 30 to 60 days in a multi-step process, which includes submitting an environmental document.

But that money can't be allocated until October 1st, at the start of California's next budget cycle. That timeline would mean the project wouldn't be able to begin until the holiday season is in full swing.

“So we figured [that it's] better to wait until after the holidays, after the festivals, get a fresh start. May 1st, work through the summer, and get it done – and with the least amount of problems for our residents," says Bryan McKinney, the Public Works Director for the City of La Quinta.

In the meantime, the city lists several smaller projects it will work on before major construction can begin next spring, including:

• Pothole repair
• Repaving in badly-needed areas
• Median repairs
• Landscaping improvements

McKinney reassures motorists driving down the highway that the city is working towards improving the asphalt. "I know right now it's kind of a rough drive, but, you know, we're going to do what we can to fix things," he says.