Project Description:
This federally funded project added a dedicated northbound right-turn lane at Farrell Drive and Vista Chino (SR-111) in Palm Springs, alleviating congestion at a busy urban intersection within the Coachella Valley’s sensitive air basin.
Service: Air Quality Analysis
Solution: We assessed construction and operational emissions using Caltrans CO Protocol, EMFAC, and CT-EMFAC, modeling CO, PM10, PM2.5, ROG, NOx, and GHG emissions. The project was found exempt from regional conformity under 40 CFR 93.127 Table 3, and emissions remained below SCAQMD and EPA thresholds.
Benefits: Our findings allowed the City and Caltrans to deliver measurable congestion relief without triggering air quality violations, improving mobility while preserving regional air quality standards.
