Work has started this week to repair the Stanislaus River Bike & Pedestrian Bridge, which has been closed to the public since October 22, 2023, due to significant storm damage.

The bridge was shut down last fall after a powerful windstorm toppled a tree onto a 65-foot section of the span. A licensed structural engineer later determined the damage was severe enough to make the bridge unsafe for use.

After months of reviewing options, including temporary shoring and permanent repairs using heat treatment and extra reinforcement, city officials ultimately decided to replace the damaged segment entirely. Ripon’s City Council approved the recommendation, and the city soon purchased a new truss bridge segment from Contech Engineering Solutions for $107,565. The cost was covered by the city’s insurance provider.

The repair project is a joint effort, with expenses shared between the City of Ripon, Stanislaus County, and the San Joaquin Council of Governments.

Public Works Director James Pease announced at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that crews are now on site, with completion expected in the next three to four weeks.