Palm Springs tramway targets reopening after storm damage

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Southern California’s Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is tentatively expected to reopen April 1 following repair of damage from a debris-laden flash flood during a Valentine’s Day storm.

Surveillance video obtained by KESQ-TV shows the torrent that coursed down the San Jacinto Mountains, damaging the access road, parking lots and electrical connections.

The tramway’s rotating cars travel more than 2 1/2 miles (4 kilometres) up to an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,595 metres) where visitors can take in vistas of the Coachella Valley, hike mountain trails and dine at restaurants.

February storms extensively damaged highways in the popular area, temporarily cutting off access to Idyllwild and other communities to all but residents of the popular tourist destinations.