Project Overview

The County of Riverside Transportation Department (County), in cooperation with the City of Coachella (Coachella), City of Indio (Indio),  and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), are proposing to widen Avenue 48 from Van Buren Street eastward to Dillon Road, a total distance of approximately 0.5 miles. The northerly half (westbound lanes) of Avenue 48 is in the jurisdictional boundaries of the County and Indio and the southerly half (eastbound lanes) lies within the jurisdictional boundaries of Coachella. The project will widen Avenue 48 from two lanes to four lanes to accommodate for one additional westbound lane and one additional eastbound lane with a raised concrete median. Additional improvements will include construction of concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, residential driveways, and curb ramps in the westbound direction (northerly side) and a five-foot wide bike lane will be provided in the eastbound direction (southerly side) . In addition, utility poles owned by Imperial Irrigation District required relocation to accommodate the new improvements. The project is consistent with the County, Coachella, and Indio General Plan Circulation Element to meet current and future traffic demands and improve the traffic operation for this corridor.

The project will include the following:

• Widening of lanes from 2 to 4

• Addition of bike lanes

• Construction of new curb and gutter, sidewalk and curb ramps on the northerly side

• Construction of driveways and driveway approaches where necessary

• Reconstruction of existing roadway

• Adjustment and/or relocation of utilities

DEMAND

Avenue 48 is an east-west major arterial road that is commonly traveled. It carries over 15,000 vehicles a day and can commonly experience traffic delays and congestion. The road connects the Cities of Coachella and Indio with the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside. The additional lanes will relieve traffic and congestion on Avenue 48 while improving vehicular traffic circulation and access for motorists, residents, businesses, emergency service providers, nearby institutions such as schools, and public transportation.

Project Documents

final initial study w/proposed mitigated negative declaration- jan 2020 (pdf)

Project Photos