If you’re driving through Joshua Tree National Park on the Pinto Basin Road, you’re probably not in a rush to begin with. But Ranger Pam Tripp says you should still be prepared for construction delays…
Road construction in Joshua Tree National Park is still ongoing over a 13 mile area of Park Rt. 11, also known as the Pinto Basin Road. The objective is to improve road safety conditions in the Pinto Basin. Construction includes widening and realigning the existing paved road. It will also redesign and realign the road to improve sight distances at the Cholla Cactus Garden, which currently remains closed during the week, and is open for viewing during the weekend. During construction, visitors are experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes or less, with a pilot car leading traffic through the areas being reworked. Areas affected by the September 2011 storm on Route #11 will also be repaired and rehabilitated, while low water crossings and damaged sections of asphalt road and shoulders will be repaired to improve conditions. For information on the road construction and expected delays, contact us at 760-367-5500 or look on our website at www.nps.gov/jotr.
