When will bridges be built on Indian Canyon, Vista Chino? See the latest
The costs for municipal projects have increased dramatically over the past several years, impacting several local bridge developments.
Since 2021, prices for bridge construction in California have gone up by 35%, according to Riverside engineering firm CNS Engineers Inc. That is due to higher cost for materials and the number of projects currently open to bid.
But the city of Palm Springs is pressing ahead with a handful of bridge updates, along with two much-needed bridges meant to alleviate road closures due to flooding and windblown sand.
What is the status of the Vista Chino bridge over the Whitewater River?
The project was initiated in 2010, and the city of Palm Springs is currently negotiating right-of-way easements so construction can move forward.
The city estimates construction will begin in mid-2027, with an estimated cost of $105 million.
"This bridge here is one of the last bridges that was funded by Caltrans for low water crossings," Palm Springs City Engineer Joel Montalvo said during last week's city council meeting. "So if you go back to Caltrans today and ask for money to build this bridge, they will tell you no."
What is the status of the Indian Canyon Drive bridges?
This project was initiated in 2019 by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. It has an estimated cost of $100 million and is in the preliminary engineering phase.
CVAG anticipates beginning construction in early 2027. However, Montalvo said during the council meeting that the target is "very ambitious."
The project will involve building two "all-weather" bridges at low points over the wash that CVAG says will be designed to withstand 100-year flood events. The bridges will be also have fencing designed to protect the roadway from sand accumulation resulting from wind.
I see work on Indian Canyon. Does that mean construction has started?
Yes and no. The city of Palm Springs has another bridge project north of the wash, over the railroad tracks. The $45 million project is meant to replace an existing bridge Montalvo called obsolete.
"It's basically lived its life and we need to replace it," he said.
The project is expected to be completed by April 2026. But it won't address the problems the bridges at the wash are meant to solve.
Where is the money coming from for these bridges?
For the Vista Chino and Indian Canyon railroad bridges, around 89% of the funding comes from the federal Highway Bridges Program.
Another 11% is funds from Measure A. That was a successful 1988 ballot measure in which Riverside County voters approved a half-percent sales tax increase to fund transportation projects.
CVAG is responsible for funding the bridge at Indian Canyon and Tahquitz Wash. The planning agency has already secured $57 million in grant funding, including $50 million from the state, and is actively searching for more, according to the presentation given to the city council.
What about Gene Autry Trail?
Although a bridge along Gene Autry Trail has been discussed, it's not currently being planned so officials can concentrate on getting them built on Vista Chino and Indian Canyon Drive, according to a fact sheet on the city's website.
Why does it take so long to build bridges?
All municipal bridge projects must pass through roughly seven phases, each of which typically takes between one and four years, Montalvo told the council.
The first phases is preliminary engineering, followed by an environmental analysis phase. Next, the city must typically obtain right-of-way clearances. For high-cost bridges, the city goes through a process known as "value engineering." Then, final engineering occurs in which specifications and cost estimates are finalized. The project then enters the bidding phase. Finally, construction begins.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: When will Palm Springs build bridges to fight road closures?
