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City staff to bid full closure for Ada Hayden trail replacement after council review
Summary
City staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission that City Council recommended bidding a full-trail closure (Option 1) to replace the Ada Hayden Heritage Park loop with a concrete surface; the project has $1.4 million budgeted and anticipated bids range from about $1.1 million (base bid) to between $1.3–$1.4 million for phased work.
City staff told the Ames Parks and Recreation Commission on April 17 that City Council recommended proceeding with a full-trail closure to replace the deteriorating asphalt path around Ada Hayden Heritage Park and that staff will prepare the bid package accordingly.
Joshua (staff) told commissioners the city budgeted $700,000 in each of two fiscal years (a total of $1.4 million) for the project and that staff and consultant WHKS recommended a concrete surface for longevity and reduced long-term maintenance. He described two construction options presented to council: (1) close the entire trail and complete the work in roughly five to six weeks, or (2) stage construction to keep a loop open, which increases mobilizations and raised contractor estimates to roughly $1.3 million–a little over $1.4 million.
Staff said the base bid for the full closure (Option 1) was about $1.1 million; consultant costs of about $90,000 are included in the $1.4 million budget. At the April council meeting staff reported that adopting Option 1 would likely keep the project within available funds and limit total construction time. Joshua noted contractor availability may allow work this fall and that plans and specifications will go to council May 13 and bids will be due in early June.
Commissioners and staff discussed safety trade-offs for markings, physical barriers and signage. Staff said a physical barrier is unlikely given current funding and that striping or graphics were being evaluated; they also noted federal or local trail design guidance (SUDAS) recognizes different minimum widths for one- and two-way bike travel. Commissioners raised drainage and intermittent water over the trail in low spots, race-course distance concerns from local running groups, and how to communicate temporary closures and alternate trail options to park users.
Keith (staff) said option 1 leaves a contingency if alternates come in under budget and that staff will emphasize with the selected contractor the goal of reopening sections (for example the north loop) as soon as possible. Staff said the city will stress safety, provide extensive signage and coordinate outreach to inform the public about closures and alternate access. Staff also noted the Upland Trail, Hyde parking lot and other nearby trails will remain open for public use during construction.
