The City of Palm Desert begins a major improvement project today on Gerald Ford Drive between Cook Street and El Paseo del Corazon, closing the road to eastbound traffic through May 26, 2026.
One lane of westbound traffic will remain open during construction, and all businesses along the corridor will stay accessible to customers. Residents will continue to have access to their homes throughout the project.
The improvements include new pavement, medians, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and driveways, along with upgraded traffic signals and underground utility enhancements. The project also includes enhanced median landscaping.
A separate construction project will affect traffic on Cook Street starting today through Dec. 16 as part of the Coachella Valley Water District's pipeline construction work.
Paving operations will take place Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with nighttime work scheduled from Dec. 10 through Dec. 16 between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Traffic control measures will be in place during both projects. Officials advise drivers to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes when possible.
The pipeline improvement project is designed to strengthen infrastructure and water delivery reliability throughout Palm Desert.