State Route 86/Avenue 50 New Interchange Project

The State Route 86/Avenue 50 New Interchange Project, identified by Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-RIV-42327-R6, is an infrastructure initiative located in the City of Coachella, Riverside County. Executed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1602, the project is led by Caltrans District 8. The primary scope of work involves the construction of a new overcrossing bridge over the Whitewater River as part of a new interchange at State Route 86 and Avenue 50, as well as the installation of new concrete slope lining on both the north and south sides of the river. The project received formal approval from the CDFW on May 29, 2026, with a Notice of Determination confirming that the work will not have a significant environmental effect within the agency's jurisdiction. This approval is contingent upon the implementation of specific mitigation measures and a Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan adopted by the CDFW. Administrative oversight is managed by Shawn Oriaz, Senior Environmental Planner for Caltrans District 8, and the project is classified under NAICS code 237310.