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Council approves design-build contract for Spring Creek Trail Phase 2
Summary
The Laramie City Council approved a design‑build contract for the Spring Creek Trail Phase 2 project and authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign; staff said the work will extend the trail to Ninth Street and is funded largely by a Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grant (WORG) with city match and contingency funds.
The Laramie City Council on March 17 approved a design‑build contract with Big Hunks Excavation, Inc. for the Spring Creek Trail Phase 2 project and authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign.
Director of Parks and Recreation (Director Bourke) presented the project as the next segment in a multi‑phase trail extension that will run from 23rd Street through Laramie Park to Ninth Street. He told council the procurement used a two‑step qualifications and proposal process and that a superintendent from the contractor will be on site while city staff (Bourke and Scott Hunter) provide on‑site project management and construction oversight.
"This second phase is even larger," Bourke said, and added that, while a conceptual design existed, final construction layouts will be refined on site to avoid trees and other constraints. He said the project must be completed by Dec. 31 to meet grant requirements, though staff expect earlier completion if weather allows.
Staff explained funding for the project includes an award from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grant (WORG) of roughly $2,479,000 plus a city match, producing an approximate project budget near $2.7 million. Council packet figures listed the contract amount and a contingency; the meeting record identified a contingency budget of $921,481. Bourke said the contingency is intended to bridge the difference between bid amounts and grant award limits and to allow flexibility while staff coordinate final scope with grant managers.
Cyclist and resident Nils Shank, who testified during the meeting, told council he uses the existing Spring Creek Trail for routine errands and supported the extension to Ninth Street.
Councilors asked whether the design‑build approach meant the contractor would both design and supervise construction; Bourke replied that the contractor will prepare construction documents, provide a superintendent on site and follow engineering and ADA standards while city staff will perform testing and on‑site oversight.
The council approved the motion by roll call (8 yes, 0 no, 1 absent).
The project now moves forward to contract execution and initial site layout meetings between the city and Big Hunks Excavation. Staff said they will return with construction updates as appropriate.
