The city of Turlock will hold an informational meeting on April 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Turlock City Hall to discuss the Geer Road pavement rehabilitation project.

The city is in the initial planning stages for an effort that will see Geer Road — one of Turlock’s busiest arteries — undergo major reconstruction over a 2.75-mile stretch from Golden State Boulevard to Taylor Road.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to ask questions and provide feedback on the project’s potential design and execution.

Upgrades to Geer Road, according to the city, include pavement rehabilitation, crosswalks, roadway restriping and ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, who has made road rehabilitation the centerpiece of her administration, is hoping for a robust turnout.

“Roads are my thing because roads are the public’s thing,” said Bublak. “This is an opportunity for the public to get an understanding of what the engineers are thinking.”

According to Erik Schulze, director of the city’s public works department, the project’s price tag is unknown.

“It’s very early in the process,” said Schulze. “Until we get the designs back and until the bid process begins, we won’t know the overall cost.”

Last August, the city council used Measure A funds to pay Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. nearly $437,000 to initiate the design process for the Geer Road corridor.

After a public outreach meeting and a presentation to the council, scope of services, associated fees, and a schedule for the final design will be hammered out and brought back to the council for consideration.

The city hopes to secure project funding from state and/or federal sources. Mark Thomas & Company will assist with funding applications. 

During construction, detours will be scheduled, taking into consideration school schedules and high-traffic periods.

“This project is really in its infancy,” said Schulze. “It’s a huge project with a lot of moving parts.”