 Plans to construct a road from Brawley to Glamis date from 1953 ; the road would provide improved access to two newer state parks . The ceding of the Chocolate Mountains to the U.S. Navy had closed a north – south road traversing Imperial County , and the government needed to restore a corridor for local residents to use , as the road was closed during the day for five days a week . However , in August , the Riverside Chamber of Commerce opposed the construction , even though it would replace the Niland – Blythe road . The chamber reversed its stance in December , as the road would mostly be constructed in Imperial County . 
