Construction on the Stockton Avenue Rehabilitation Project could start in April.

That’s the hope for the City of Ripon.

“Staff is still waiting for a letter from Caltrans,” said Engineering Supervisor Elizabeth Quilici, who was providing an update on this project at the Dec. 10 Ripon City Council meeting.

She added: “Within six months of receiving that letter a bid will be rewarded – the construction timeline will be nine to 12 months, which three of those months will be used for installation of the pavers.”

The Stockton Avenue Rehabilitation Project has been a high priority project for elected leaders during the past few years.

It involves a complete reconstruction of South Stockton Avenue, from Fifth Street through the Second Street intersection, in the area just east of downtown.

Quilici estimated the cost of this project at $4.1 million, with a majority of those funds coming from the Regional Surface Transportation Program and Measure K Renewal.

Director of Public Works James Pease noted that the city was waiting for the E-76 letter – or “Authorization to Proceed,” a federal authorization of funds to establish the reimbursement date for a phase of work, according to Caltrans – necessary for the project to go out to bid.

“One of Caltrans’ concerns were the use of pavers in lieu of asphalt,” he said. “Staff gave them reasons why pavers were better than asphalt.

“Therefore, Caltrans was determining if pavers are a participating expense and eligible for the funding source.”

Pease said that he would look at Measure K Renewal to cover the expense in the event that Caltrans determines otherwise on the pavers.

Quilici added that during construction the truck route on Stockton Avenue would remain open.