$20 million secured for Arts and Music Line bike pathway project

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments voted to accept $20 million in funding for the Arts and Music Line cycling path, bringing the nine-mile bike pathway closer to construction.

The Transportation Committee on Monday voted unanimously to accept the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program funding and execute necessary agreements for the multi-modal pathway connecting La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.

The $20 million award represents the latest funding secured for the new connection to the CV Link. CVAG previously obtained nearly $36.5 million in Active Transportation Program funding in 2022.

The project will provide nearly nine miles of protected Class 1 and Class 4 bicycle paths along Avenue 48, Van Buren Street, Hjorth Street, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, and Dillon Road. The plan also calls for six miles of new or upgraded Class 2 and Class 3 bikeways that directly connect the project to 11 schools. 

The route will feature art from local artists, colored paving, lighting, two bridge under-crossings and more connections to neighborhoods, jobs, shopping and the music festivals. 

The total project cost is estimated at approximately $88.2 million and with the latest funding award, construction is almost completely funded through outside sources. The remaining $8 million will be split between CVAG and La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, with CVAG covering 75% and the cities covering the other 25%, split proportionately between them. 

Construction of the Arts and Music Line is scheduled for 2027. CVAG is still working on design and right-of-way acquisition. 

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