A new 33-inch sewer pipeline will be installed across 3.5 miles of busy Palm Desert streets between Monterey Avenue and Cook Street and along Hovley Lane West, Portola Avenue and Hovley Lane East.

GOALS: The improvement project was developed by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to accommodate rapid development and future growth for the cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and portions of Cathedral City. Moreover, the new sewer line will prevent potential sewer spills during peak wet-weather periods when existing trunk sewers are vulnerable.

TRAFFIC ISSUES: The project will require significant lane closures along city streets to accommodate trenching to a depth of 24 feet in certain locations. Traffic along Monterey, Hovley Lane West, Portola, Hovley Lane East, Corporate Way, 42nd Avenue and Cook Street will be obstructed at various times throughout the one-year construction period. All street closures and detours will be announced in advance.

PROJECT DURATION: April 2006-February 2007

COST: $12 million to be funded through CVWD’s Sanitation Capacity Charge (a one-time sewer connection fee paid by homeowners or business customers when they connect to the district’s sewer system).

BUSINESS ACCESS: Construction crews will endeavor to maintain access to all area businesses during the business day. In the area around 42nd Avenue, Cook Street and Corporate Way, work will be conducted at night to minimize disruption to local businesses, including the Palm Desert Post Office. In the balance of the project area, some work will be carried out during daylight hours and temporary lane closures and detours will be necessary.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: The Coachella Valley Water District is scheduling meetings for all area residents and affected businesses to alert them to the construction calendar, to answer questions and receive feedback.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATIONS: Mailers and flyers will be delivered to all residents and businesses in the project area and will include regular updates and construction alerts on the progress of the Palm Desert Sewer Improvement Project.