Traffic Delays Plague Palm Springs USD Drop Offs, Carpooling Suggested

PALM DESERT, CA — Families made their way back to school Thursday in the Palm Springs Unified School District as officials advised of possible traffic delays. Schools in that district reopened Thursday following a three-day closure due to Tropical Storm Hilary.

The storm blasted the region, bringing over 3.5 inches of rain and more in some areas in its wake Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Since then, road closures and public works workers have attempted to clean up what they can. In other cases, failed bridges and standing water continue to be a problem for Coachella Valley drivers.

Interim Superintendent Tony Signoret wrote to families Wednesday, explaining the reopening plans, and share rides when it makes sense to do so.

"Our entire school and district staff has been working diligently to prepare for our reopening, and I am pleased and proud to share that all of our facilities are operational and campuses are accessible," Interim Superintendent Tony Signoret wrote to families Wednesday, adding that all schools will reopen Thursday with regular schedules.

Signoret urged families to plan their routes to school ahead of time, leave early, and carpool if possible due to several road closures still in place due to flooding or damage from the storm.

Coachella Valley cities posted road closure information that families can look at to figure out the best routes to get to school, according to Signoret.

All schools in the district are accessible, but travel time is expected to take longer due to the closures. Teachers were expected to be understanding, and parents were asked to be patient, according to the district.

The transportation team, which will be in contact with parents of children who ride the bus, was planning alternate routes to and from school, Signoret said, asking for parents to be aware of possible delays in pick-up and drop-off times the first few days.

"Safety remains our top priority so please adhere to posted road closures and speed limits, and please remind students who walk to school to avoid puddles, mud, and any fenced-off or restricted areas due to storm damage in the process of repair," Signoret wrote.

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