With the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival all wrapped up, tens of thousands of festivalgoers departed from the desert Monday, unleashing a torrent of vehicles along Interstate 10 and local roadways.
As expected, westbound Interstate 10 carried the bulk of vehicles leaving the desert. As of 11 a.m., long stretches of traffic could be seen from Indio through the Banning pass area.
Caltrans advised commuters to travel late in the evening, if possible, to avoid the worst of the congestion.
Following the first festival weekend, Interstate 10 experienced substantial traffic throughout the day, with congestion dissipating for most drivers near the Banning Pass area, where Interstate 10 meets the 60 Freeway. The area near that interchange was experiencing congestion late Monday morning, though a pair of non-injury crashes contributed to the traffic.
Drivers leaving from Palm Springs can also expect Highway 111 to be backed up, though the roadway appeared relatively clear Monday morning, according to an online Caltrans traffic map.
Motorists may consult quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to monitor up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.