Public works update: Main Street work, signal timing fixes and Veil Trail progress noted

City Engineer Tim Ericsson briefed the Ukiah City Council on Sept. 3 about multiple public‑works projects under way, including urban‑core street work, traffic‑signal detection and the Veil Trail.

Ericsson said Main Street and Gobi reconstruction work is proceeding and crews are "raising iron" (adjusting utility access points) now that paving is complete. He explained signal operation modes (flash, timer, detection) and said Gobi & Orchard currently operates in timer mode while vehicle‑detection cameras or loops are installed; that configuration has caused driver frustration at that intersection. "All those loops that used to detect the cars were taken out, as part of the road reconstruction project," Ericsson said, and he said the city expects to put the intersection back in flash and then to detection when cameras arrive.

Ericsson also reported Veil Trail Phase 4 is nearing completion, with paving and two large pedestrian bridges already installed and ramp work and punch‑list items remaining. He said the Recycled Water Phase 4 project is in a critical phase at the wastewater treatment plant and must be finished by Thanksgiving to secure reimbursement and funding. He added a short fairgrounds storm‑drain project is scheduled and should take about three weeks.

Council members asked about notification and outreach for traffic signals and project updates; council requested more proactive social‑media or press communication so residents understand temporary operations such as "green lights on demand" (detection) versus timed operations. Ericsson committed to coordinate with the city’s outreach team.

Why it matters: The updates affect traffic flow, pedestrian infrastructure, and a major recycled‑water project with reimbursement deadlines. Council emphasized the need for clear public communications while work continues.