Engineering study recommends raising speed limits on five Ripon street segments

Mitchell Ulrich, an engineer who joined the city engineering department in 2025, presented the results of Ripon's 2025 engineering and traffic survey on Jan. 13, describing the three-part methodology required by the California Vehicle Code: prevailing (80th percentile) speeds, collision history and roadside conditions.

Ulrich said the city surveyed 41 roadway segments and recommended speed-limit increases for five sections based on data collected and field observations. His recommendations were: raise the identified section of 4th Street from 25 to 30 mph; raise Garrison Way from 25 to 30 mph; raise Hough Drive from 25 to 35 mph; raise Parallel Avenue from 25 to 30 mph; and raise the noted section of Santos Avenue from 25 to 35 mph. Ulrich said the maps and data would be made available for public viewing and described sign replacement costs as "minimal." He emphasized the process is data-driven and that continuity of posted speeds is an important design consideration.

Chief Sauer said the police department had numerous conversations and agreed with the study. Councilmembers asked about pedestrian activity and sign costs; Ulrich said additional lowering beyond the 5-mph increment requires documented justifications such as collision history or pedestrian safety concerns. The item was presented for discussion and no formal council action was taken.