Prep work to begin on Appleway Trail

Preparation work on the new Appleway Trail will be done by L&L Cargile Inc.

The Spokane Valley-based contractor was the lowest of six bidders for the opening phase of the trail’s construction at $186,301, officials said Tuesday. The city estimated the initial prep work, called the “earthworks” portion of the project, would cost about $221,000.

Spokane Valley Public Works Director Eric Guth said he’s working with the contractor to expedite the remaining paperwork and hopes to have work under way in the next couple of weeks. The contract is for project site preparation, which includes grading and shaping of the mile-long stretch between University and Pines roads.

Separate bids are being sought this month for construction of the actual trail and amenities.

City officials said they hope to have the first part of a paved and landscaped pathway along the old Milwaukee Railroad corridor, which traverses much of the Valley just south of Sprague Avenue, open by the end of the year. The plan is to eventually extend the recreational trail to the eastern city limits, where it will meet up with Liberty Lake’s municipal trail system.

Estimated cost of the first mile-long portion, which will include benches, lighting, landscape irrigation and drinking fountains, is $1.3 million. The city has received a grant for nearly $643,000 and will receive $1 million in 2017 from the Spokane Regional Transportation Council for the overall suburban trail project. The next phase would extend the trail to Evergreen Road.

The trail is part of the Valley’s plans to develop a network of paved suburban pathways that enable bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians to avoid competing with automobiles while getting throughout the city.