Bids Extended For Proposed Walking Trail In Monterey

The invitation to bid on Monterey’s proposed walking and biking trail construction has been extended to April 14th.

Grant Administrator Dawn Kupferer said bids were originally set to open on April 3rd. There are currently five bidders.

“We should see no problems with them getting it done within 170 days of the time we go under contract,” Kupferer said. “We hope to go under contract no later than June 3rd.”

The trial will link Burks Elementary and Monterey High School with the existing walking trail downtown. Kupferer said the project consists of 490 linear feet of five feet wide sidewalk and 640 linear feet of eight foot walking/biking trail.

“Mayor Bill Wiggins is really trying to link the whole town with the trail system in order to make it safe for children and adults,” Kupferer said.

Kupferer said students will finally have access to the trail from school. The trail connects downtown, the library, Farmer’s Market and the Monterey Depot.

“Our children do not have a sidewalk system,” Kupferer said. “When they leave Burks Elementary or the high school, they have to walk in the ditch line or walk on the streets.”

Project Diabetes will pay the entire costs of the trail in hopes to encourage exercise. Kupferer said Project Diabetes plans fit perfectly with Monterey’s already existing trails.

The estimated cost is around $100,000.