Music festival traffic to jam up freeways

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting motorists that this weekend kicks off the first two weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival followed by the Stagecoach Festival. If you use I-10 between Beaumont and Indio or State Route 60 from Moreno Valley to Beaumont; be aware that thousands of people will drive to and from the festivals over the next three weeks. The events are held at this time each year in Indio.

Motorists are advised that the heaviest travel for the next three weeks will be on eastbound I-10 beginning Friday and Saturday and on westbound I-10 Sunday through Monday.

Please plan ahead and avoid the delays by traveling early in the morning or late evenings. Follow the Caltrans Quickmap at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to check traffic and incidents before you go. Follow us on Twitter @caltrans8.

Remember – designate a sober driver, have a full tank of gas, cell phone and plenty of patience. Wind conditions are high in the desert regions this week so watch for high profile vehicles and pull over if conditions warrant.

Californa Department of Transportation press release