Downtown Renovations and Sewer Revitalization Frequently Asked Questions

We have highlighted the most common questions regarding Phase 1 of this project. For more questions, answers, and information, please check out our Downtown Renovations FAQ document.

What is happening during Phase 1?

Phase 1 will update the current sanitary sewer system within 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and Bullion streets. The system has not bee updated in over 70 years, making it time to address it. The replacement work will make the much-needed improvements to the public portion of the sanitary sewer system. Like any remodeling, this work comes with some inconveniences. During this small window, the project will generate noise, some dust, and cause delays. 

How will my business be impacted?

Mariposa County is working hard to ensure businesses will not have to close or experience significant impacts during construction. The contractor will provide 72-hour notices to the affected properties before starting work within the section of roadway along the front of your property. Following the 72-hour notice, businesses can expect road closures for vehicles but not pedestrians. The road closure deadline is expected to last approximately five days per section of roadway. 

Mariposa County created a public map highlighting where construction for this project occurs in real time. It will also show the parking options available when some lots and parking spots are closed due to construction. If you would like to share this map with your staff and/or the public, simply highlight the link here: https://arcg.is/1Gm58W0 and paste it onto your website, into an email, or onto a social media post.

There are no expected disruptions to the sewer system during construction, meaning businesses and residents within the impacted areas can continue using their facilities as needed. Businesses with large deliveries (example: Sysco) or dumpster pick-ups should contact Public Works at 209-966-5356 with their schedules so the team can work to reduce impacts while work occurs on their streets.

As a resident, how can I prepare?

Any traffic detours, diversions, or construction can increase the time it takes to get to or through town. Mariposa County recommends that you plan an extra 5 to 10 minutes (longer during high-traffic times) for these trips to arrive at your destination on time. 

The contractor will provide a 72-hour notice to businesses and residents in the impacted zones. If you are notified of a short-term roadway closure and need to use your vehicle, it is advised to move the vehicle outside of the road closure zone before the 7:00 am start time of each construction day. You can access the road at the end of the working day (5:00 pm) when the site is safe for travel.

How can you support our local businesses? You can continue to support local businesses by visiting them during construction. Businesses will still be accessible to pedestrians during road closures. Be sure to tell your friends, family, and any visitors these businesses are still open!

To find alternative parking, you can use the public map https://arcg.is/1Gm58W0 to locate options when the construction impacts the area in front of or near businesses.

How is this project being funded? Can we use the money for something else?

This project is funded through a grant from the Economic Development Administration/Department of Commerce. It is set aside for this specific scope of work. In other words, the funding must be used on activities related to the project. The funding does not affect the County's general fund and cannot be put toward other County initiatives. If we did not apply for and accept the funding, the money would go to another community.