In March 2019, the City of Ripon entered into agreement with GHD Inc. to do a downtown transportation study.

The work involved taking a further look at sidewalks, alleys, streets and parking improvements along Stockton Avenue, Second Street, Acacia Street and the Frontage Road.

A workshop is now planned for Nov. 18 in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave., covering GHD’s Downtown Transportation Master Plan, beginning at 4 p.m.

“Due to the gathering restrictions (of the COVID-19 pandemic), back to back workshops may be considered so that everyone can attend,” said Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart at the October Ripon City Council meeting.

GHD was brought in as the consultant to identify the scope and phasing along the downtown streets, with the study possibly being used to determine future capital projects in the area.

Council adopted a policy in 2014 in which 33 percent of the General Fund surplus would be earmarked for the reconstruction of any failed streets and roads.

GHD Inc. was later brought in as the consultant for the downtown transportation study at an estimated cost of $36,200 paid via the Streets & Road Reserve Fund.