Project Background:

Tropical Storm Hilary hit the City of Indio, August 19, 2023, bringing heavy rain and flooding that caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property. The storm overwhelmed local drainage systems, washing away a section of Avenue 44 at the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel (CVSWC). This section of road has been repeatedly damaged by storms, most recently in 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023. After Hilary, the City received approval from Caltrans to move forward with building the $35 million bridge. This project is funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP), Measure A Funds, CVAG Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) and Development Impact Fees. 

Project Description: The project is located along Avenue 44, between Palo Verde Street and Aztec Street in Indio, and aims to replace the low water crossing thru the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, with a bridge. This section of road was washed out by Tropical Storm Hilary, and has remained closed since August 2023. The new bridge will include road reconstruction, street widening, and the addition of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and driveways. Other work includes grading the channel, installing concrete slope protection, building a new storm drain system, and improving street lighting. The project also incorporates the connections to the CV Link, a 40-mile multi-use pathway for cyclist, pedestrians, and low-speed electric vehicles. The damaged crossing is currently closed, and traffic will continue to be detoured during construction.

The bridge will be a cast-in-place concrete structure with three spans supported by large columns and deep piles. The project will also relocate water, gas, and telecommunications lines into the bridge. Once completed, the bridge will feature architectural design elements and new lighting on the pilasters on the bridge. 

Frequently Asked Questions: [Flyer pdf]

What is the purpose of the Low Water Crossing Replacement Project at the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel?
Tropical Storm Hilary in August of 2023 caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property. It overwhelmed local drainage systems and washed away Avenue 44 at the Whitewater River, a section of the roadway that was also damaged by storms in 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The Low Water Crossing Replacement Project will build an all-weather bridge that will be a lasting solution and serve the community for generations.

What are the features and benefits of the project?
The new bridge will include road reconstruction to match the bridge’s elevation, street widening, and the addition of sidewalks, bike lanes, curbs, gutters, and driveways. Other work includes grading the channel, installing concrete slope protection, building a new storm drain system, and improving street lighting. The project also incorporates the connections to the CV Link, a 40-mile multi-use pathway for cyclists, pedestrians, and low speed electric vehicles.

How is this project funded?
The $35 million project is funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP), Measure A Funds, CVAG Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF), and Development Impact Fees – Roads.

Who has the City of Indio partnered with to complete the project?
The City of Indio has contracted Ortiz Enterprise, Inc. for construction of the project. The construction management team is Harris & Associates, and the Design firm is T.Y. Lin International.

What is the anticipated completion of the project?
The project is anticipated to be completed by the Summer of 2026. 

Where is the project located?
The project is located along Avenue 44, between Palo Verde Street and Aztec Street in Indio.

What wildlife protection is the project carrying out throughout the duration of the construction?
The City of Indio is dedicated to protecting the various wildlife species
that can be affected by the project. Monitoring will take place throughout
the duration of the project, to ensure that no wildlife species are harmed, including the potential of burrowing owls and nesting birds.

What is the detour for the portion of the road that is closed throughout the duration of the project?
Eastbound Detour: Turn right on Palo Verde Street; left on Avenue 45; left on Golf Center Parkway
Westbound Detour: Turn left on Golf Center Parkway; right on Avenue 45; right on Palo Verde Street; left on Avenue 44

Webcam and live stream of construction can be viewed here. 

[click here]

Construction work hours: 4 am - 2 pm* (adjusted for summer heat 5/30 - 10/31/25)

* Limited to 8 hour shifts during this timeframe.

** Construction may start earlier in the day during summer or anticipated heat waves.  

*** There may be construction on weekends, on an as needed basis for construction sequences that require it. 

Construction activities are subject to change due to weather conditions. 

Construction Started in the Fall of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026. 

Avenue 44 between Palo Verde Street and Apache Street is currently closed to traffic, due to damage from Tropical Storm Hilary. During construction, traffic will continue to be detoured around the construction site in order for the bridge to be built in one stage. Location specific construction notices will be distributed to affected businesses and residents regardin the work and potential impacts. 

Traffic will be detoured as follows: 

• Eastbound Detour: Turn right on Palo Verde Street; left on Avenue 45; left on Golf Center Parkway
• Westbound Detour: Turn left on Golf Center Parkway; right on Avenue 45; right on Palo Verde Street; left on Avenue 44