Define the Work
Photo: Allegra Trails
Before selecting a contracting approach or developing a solicitation, project owners need a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish and what work is needed to get there.
Defining the work includes establishing project goals, identifying the professional services needed, understanding site conditions and constraints, and determining which decisions have already been made and which will be part of the contracted work.
The level of detail needed depends on the project and the type of contract. Not every decision needs to be finalized before engaging a trail professional.
Establish Project Goals
Start by identifying what the project should accomplish and who it will serve. Clear goals help guide design, planning, construction, and contracting decisions.
Consider:
Intended users: Who will use the trail, and for what activities?
Trail experience: What level of difficulty, accessibility, and experience is desired?
Project priorities: What are the goals for sustainability, connectivity, resource protection, and maintenance?
Budget and timeline: What funding and scheduling constraints exist?
Long-term management: Who will maintain the trail?
Clear goals establish expectations while allowing trail professionals to recommend appropriate design and construction solutions.
Understand Existing Conditions and Constraints
Site conditions and project requirements influence the scope, cost, and approach to trail work. Some information may already be available, while other details will need to be established through planning, assessment, or design.
Consider:
Site conditions: What is known about the terrain, soils, drainage, vegetation, and existing infrastructure?
Access and logistics: Are there known access limitations or challenges?
Environmental requirements: Are there known permits, approvals, or resource protection requirements?
Existing information: What plans, assessments, surveys, or other documentation are available?
Identifying what is known—and what still needs to be determined—helps clarify which professional services may be needed.
Identify the Services Needed
Trail projects may require planning, assessment, design, construction, maintenance, or a combination of professional services. The work needed depends on the project's goals, current stage of development, and available information.
Consider which services are needed now and which may be required in later phases. Some projects may benefit from engaging a trail professional to help determine the appropriate scope before moving forward.
Photos: CreativeLines, Dirt Tek Trails
Factors That Can Affect the Construction Schedule
Trail construction schedules depend on more than trail length. Site conditions, access, construction methods, weather, and project requirements all influence how long the work takes. Several factors can affect construction schedules:
Weather and seasonal conditions: Rain, snow, extreme temperatures, saturated soils, wildfire conditions, and seasonal closures can limit when work can occur.
Terrain and ground conditions: Steep slopes, rock, unsuitable soils, drainage challenges, and unexpected subsurface conditions can affect construction methods and productivity.
Access, equipment, and materials: Remote locations, limited equipment access, staging constraints, equipment breakdowns, and material availability or delivery can affect progress.
Environmental requirements and approvals: Permits, seasonal restrictions, resource protection measures, inspections, and required approvals may influence when and how work proceeds.
Field adjustments and unforeseen conditions: Trail alignments, construction details, quantities, or methods may need to be adjusted in response to actual site conditions, sometimes requiring additional review or approval.
Crews, coordination, and project dependencies: Specialized crews, subcontractors, other contractors, owner-provided materials, and related work may affect sequencing and timing.
Realistic schedules should account for seasonal work windows, site conditions, access limitations, construction sequencing, and unforeseen conditions. Early coordination with qualified trail professionals can help identify scheduling challenges before construction begins.
Explore Trail Contracting Scope Items
Trail construction is highly site-specific. A clear scope gives prospective contractors the information they need to understand the work, site conditions, quantities, specifications, access, constraints, and where field decision-making may be needed.
The Trail Contracting Scope Items can help identify what needs to be defined for your project.
Photo: TrailScapes