City moves to contract Hardscrabble Road multi‑use trail; nine‑month build target

Deputy Director Nicholas presented the Hardscrabble Road multi‑use trail project to the committee March 25 and staff recommended awarding the construction contract to Sole Construction LLC, the apparent low responsive, responsible bidder at $2.3 million. The committee voted to move the item to the March 26 City Council agenda.

The project includes an 8–10 foot multi‑use trail primarily on the north side of Hardscrabble Road from Whittingham Place to King Road, with an add‑alternate to extend an 8‑foot trail along the west side of King Road from the Publix driveway to Hardscrabble Road. The bid summary staff provided showed $1.9 million for the trail construction, $177,000 for waterline improvements to be reimbursed by Fulton County, and $278,000 for the King Road add‑alternate. Staff recommended a $120,000 contingency to cover unforeseen conditions and requested total authorization of $2.4 million. Funding is available from transportation bond project accounts and sidewalk connectivity funds; Fulton County will reimburse the $177,000 waterline cost under an IGA already approved.

Councilmembers praised the project as a safety and connectivity improvement for students, runners and pedestrians who currently use the road shoulder. Councilmember Sarah Beeson noted the route’s proximity to Roswell High School and said she had observed students walking along the shoulder; Mayor Kurt Wilson asked about schedule and staff said building could be complete roughly nine months after award, so quick council action is requested.

Councilmember David Johnson moved to approve; the committee voted unanimously and the item will be on the March 26 council agenda for formal action.