UNIVERSAL ACCESS TRAIL CONSTRUCTION AT THE ROCK CREEK CONFLUENCE PROPERTY - MT

Project Description: Five Valleys is seeking proposals from qualified entities to construct 5,100 linear feet of universal access trail at the Confluence property beginning in Fall 2023. This includes the “Confluence Gateway Trail” (see Appendix B map) and the “Wetland Discovery Loop Trail” (see Appendix C map). Along the existing 1/3-mile (approximately 1,850 linear feet) gravel trail, the contractor will excavate existing tread material; install geotextile; and install, crown, and compact aggregate tread. The remainder of the trail (approximately 3,250 linear feet) will be new construction where the contractor will excavate, bench cut where necessary, install geotextile, and install and compact aggregate tread. 

The goal of the project is to create a sustainable trail system that is optimized for use by people of all abilities and mobilities, including people who use wheelchairs and people who are blind or who have low vision. The trail should be built in a manner that minimizes impacts to the natural environment. General universal trail design parameters are included in Appendix D. More information on universal trails can be found in Penn Trails publication “Trails for All People: Guidance for Accessibility and Inclusive Design.”

Company/Organization/Agency Submitting Contract: Five Valleys Land Trust

Primary Contact for Contract Information: Jenny Tollefson

Email Address: jenny@fvlt.org

Closest City to Project: Clinton

State/Province/Region: Montana

Country: United States

Pre-Bid Meeting Date:

Pre-Bid Meeting Time:

Anticipated Project Start Date: August 30, 2023

Application Deadline: July 07, 2023

Additional Project Bid Information: PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Five Valleys Land Trust (Five Valleys) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Missoula, MT. Five Valleys owns and manages the 300-acre Confluence Property, located at the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River east of Clinton, MT and directly south of Interstate 90. Rich in history, the site was once slated to be developed into a residential subdivision. Initial work undertaken for the development resulted in substantial disturbance on site, creating a large pond and conditions that resulted in the proliferation of non-native and noxious invasive plant species. For the last ten years, Five Valleys has undertaken extensive efforts to restore habitat in these disturbed areas and establish trails and related visitor services. An existing 1/3-mile gravel pedestrian trail exists on site, accessed from the main trailhead and parking area along Rock Creek Road.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Five Valleys is seeking proposals from qualified entities to construct 5,100 linear feet of universal access trail at the Confluence property beginning in Fall 2023. This includes the “Confluence Gateway Trail” and the “Wetland Discovery Loop Trail”. Along the existing 1/3-mile (approximately 1,850 linear feet) gravel trail, the contractor will excavate existing tread material; install geotextile; and install, crown, and compact aggregate tread. The remainder of the trail (approximately 3,250 linear feet) will be new construction where the contractor will excavate, bench cut where necessary, install geotextile, and install and compact aggregate tread. 

The goal of the project is to create a sustainable trail system that is optimized for use by people of all abilities and mobilities, including people who use wheelchairs and people who are blind or who have low vision. The trail should be built in a manner that minimizes impacts to the natural environment. More information on universal trails can be found in Penn Trails publication “Trails for All People: Guidance for Accessibility and Inclusive Design.”

ADDITIONAL SITE INFORMATION:
-On the existing gravel trail, there is a 12-foot wooden foot bridge crossing a dry irrigation ditch that will be kept.
-There are seven interpretive signs along the existing gravel trail, each with an adjacent concrete pad, that will be kept.

TRAIL DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS :
- Target width : 72 inches
- Target linear grade : 5% or less
- Short pitch maximum: 8.33%
- Maximum pitch density: 30% of the trail
- Maximum cross slope: 3%

TRAIL CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS :
-Geotextile Underlayment (Mirafi 140N) 
-Bed material: 4" Bed AASHTO #1 or 2” minus (4" Top Size) 1.40 TON/CY
-Tread material: 4" Tread crushed 3/8" minus, decomposed granite or equivalent 1.55 TON/CY

ADDITIONAL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS:
-Haul away excavated material and dispose off site.
-Compact all material for trail with a vibrating roller or tamping plate
-Hand rake any disturbed soil edges
-Ensure water will shed off the trail by taking advantage of natural topography to create grade reversals, establishing a consistent crown, and addressing low points by raising the trail tread with turnpike or installing culverts if necessary. For this bid, the maximum needed for this project are: one 10-yard load large riprap (24-36", 15-20 stones); one 15" steel pipe arch (17"x13", 20')

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Contractor experience: 
-Contractor should be familiar with the history, culture, and goals of Five Valleys’ Rock Creek Confluence property and should understand universal design and the specific needs of wheelchair users. 
-Contractor should have demonstrated understanding of how to construct a sustainable, low-maintenance trail on relatively flat terrain in an environment with aggressive vegetation (e.g., rhizomatous grasses and invasive weeds). 

Five Valleys requires:
-Proof of general liability insurance; minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate.
-Proof of Independent contractor status and/or Worker’s Compensation insurance.
-Vehicle liability insurance, $500,000 per person (personal injury), $1,000,000 combined single limits

Other requirements:
-Contractor will provide all necessary transportation, supervision, labor, licenses, tools, equipment, services, clean-up and expertise for excavation and construction of 5,100 linear feet of universal access trails suitable for hikers, runners, wheelchairs, and other non-motorized, non-equestrian recreation.
-Contractor will meet with Five Valleys or its representative to review the project area at a mutually agreeable time.
-Contractor will be paid for work on a timeline agreed upon with Five Valleys after construction has begun on the project.
-Work will be completed by November 15, 2023. A final trail inspection with Five Valleys must be completed by November 30, 2023.
-Contractor will not be entitled to any claims against Five Valleys Land Trust for damages from any cause whatsoever in the progress of the work for this project. Any damage to property as the result of the contractor’s operations shall be the responsibility of the contractor.
-In all construction contracts and subcontracts in excess of $2,000 the contractor and all subcontractors shall be subject to the federal Davis-Bacon Act (40 USC 276) as supplemented by the U.S. State of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5)

DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE:
Interested parties may visit the Confluence property to view the project site. Access to the public parking area is from Rock Creek Road. Drive 26 miles east of Missoula, MT on I90 to the Rock Creek Exit. Turn right at the exit, cross the bridge over the Clark Fork River, and drive approximately 0.5 mile. The Confluence property parking area is located approximately on the right side of Rock Creek Road.

BID SUBMISSIONS: 
Please email submissions in PDF form to jenny@fvlt.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Date Submitted to PTBA: June 23, 2023