Due to an unforeseen delay, road construction in Joshua Tree National Park, due to begin yesterday, October 5, 2020, will begin Oct. 19, 2020. Preliminary signage will be installed as early as October 12.
This construction project will allow California Edison (SCE) to construct a 12 kilovolt (kV) electric distribution line along Park Boulevard from the Twentynine Palms entrance of Joshua Tree National Park to the Pinto Wye turnoff. Pinto Wye is a marked turnoff approximately six miles inside the park entrance on the park loop road. Visitors should expect some traffic disruption as work begins along the south bound lane both when entering the park, until they pass the Pinto Wye marker.
The project will replace a deteriorated 1960’s era buried line that is at the end of its life cycle. The distribution line supplies power to several users, including the park and Belle Mountain.
The entrances in the village of Joshua Tree, and in the southern end of the park off Interstate 10 at Cottonwood will not be affected. Work will take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours. Construction will not be conducted during weekends or holidays. Traffic control with flaggers will be employed in certain areas during this roadwork to increase efficiency and ensure safety. There could be wait times of up to ten minutes.
The park is open. Please enjoy the cooler weather, but keep in mind all safety precautions. Cell access is minimal in the park. Traveling and hiking with water, sun protection, and salty snacks is crucial. Always hike with a buddy or when traveling by vehicle, give someone an itinerary.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
