PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Residents traveling through the Thompson Way neighborhood can expect road construction activity this summer as the City of Placerville moves ahead with Phase 2 of its Thompson Way, Sheridan Street and Sherman Street Repaving Project, a capital improvement effort aimed at rebuilding some of the city’s most deteriorated roadways.
According to city documents, the project encompasses the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Thompson Way, Sheridan Street and Sherman Street, along with storm drain maintenance and replacement work designed to improve roadway longevity and drainage performance.
The streets targeted for rehabilitation rank among the poorest pavement conditions in Placerville. City staff reported Pavement Condition Index scores of 15 for Thompson Way, 12 for Sheridan Street and 46 for Sherman Street, placing the roads in categories ranging from poor to failed condition.
“The projects will rehabilitate roadway pavement and provide underground utility repair/replacement,” city staff stated in a report presented to the Placerville City Council.
The work is the culmination of a multi-year planning effort. In May 2024, the City Council approved an engineering services agreement with Rick Engineering Inc. to design improvements for the three streets. During project development, officials chose a phased approach to reduce disruptions near the adjacent elementary school.
Phase 1, completed between June and September 2025, focused primarily on underground utility improvements. The city awarded contracts totaling more than $700,000 for utility and infrastructure work on Thompson Way and Sherman Street before construction began in June 2025.
Phase 2 will focus largely on pavement rehabilitation and final roadway improvements. Project specifications indicate that all work on Thompson Way, including final hot-mix asphalt paving and roadway striping, must be completed during the summer school recess period between June 1 and Aug. 14 to minimize impacts on students, parents and school operations.
During Phase 1 construction, crews uncovered an unexpected challenge when excavating near Cedar Ravine Road. Workers discovered a previously undocumented 12-inch storm drain pipe in deteriorated condition, prompting additional engineering review and infrastructure planning before Phase 2 could proceed.
City bid documents estimate the total cost of the Phase 2 project at less than $900,000. Construction is expected to occur during normal weekday working hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with no nighttime or weekend work scheduled. The contract allows 50 working days for completion.
The project is funded through local transportation and infrastructure improvement programs and represents another step in the city’s ongoing effort to address aging roads and underground utilities. Officials say the improvements will extend pavement life, improve drainage reliability and reduce future maintenance costs.
For nearby residents and motorists, temporary traffic controls and construction delays should be expected throughout the summer construction period. City officials encourage travelers to use caution in work zones and allow extra travel time when passing through the affected area.
Public Information
Project plans, specifications and related documents are available through the City of Placerville’s engineering and public works bidding portal.
