The Ripon City Council discussed plans Tuesday for a public workshop on the East Main Traffic Signal Project.

That’s the project calling for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of East Main Street and the northbound freeway on / off ramps – the area is currently controlled by stop signs.

The City of Ripon inked a professional services agreement with engineering consulting firm of Fehr & Peers back in February 2023 for $35,000 to design the traffic signal for the project. In August, Council approved an amendment to that agreement for $31,500 “In order to perform additional traffic analysis to determine benefits of a traffic signal at this intersection,” according to City Administrator Kevin Werner in his staff report.

Last month, Albee Wei, a certified transportation planner for Fehr & Peers, provided a review of the traffic analysis. Included was the volume of traffic during commute hours and lane configuration changes with that traffic signal, calling for:

·         Dedicated left-turn lanes on all approaches.

·         Shared through / right lane on southbound and eastbound approaches.

·         Dedicated right-turn lane on northbound to dissipate off-ramp queue.

·         Dedicated right-turn lane on westbound to clear access to neighborhood.

Wei noted that the traffic signal timing could be programmed to prioritize local traffic movement in order to reduce delay throughout the day.

Councilman Michael Restuccia came out against the traffic analysis as-is along with the traffic light. He was supported by his colleague Gary Barton. “I didn’t find the presentation compelling – or if the consultant heard our concerns,” he said, referring to the added cost.

That’s the second amendment on the agreement for $29,715 (paid via Transportation PFFP fund).

Once approved, the cost here would enable Fehr &Peers to develop pavement delineation and sign bid documents while assisting the city in coordinating with Caltrans to obtain an Encroachment Permit.

Vice Mayor Daniel de Graaf would like to see a more detailed plan on “what’s envisioned for the intersection” coupled with its impact to residents.

Werner added that Fehr and Peers could provide a geometric design – a real plan rather than conceptional – to bring back to council.

Elected leaders favored the public workshop. They’re looking for residents to provide their input.

“There might be stuff that we may have missed,” Restuccia said.