Set of Rock Steps and Locust Steps Construction Services in Appalachian Trail

The Town of Damascus, Virginia, requires construction services to improve sections of the Appalachian Trail. The agency is seeking to replace a failing trail infrastructure to ensure hiker safety and prevent erosion. The project addresses the need for durable, sustainable trail stairs and water management in a high-use outdoor recreation area. The scope of work requires the demolition and disposal of an existing timber-built staircase. The selected contractor must replace this structure with stone stairs achieving approximately twenty-five feet of vertical gain, using stone steps installed from the bottom up. These stone steps must feature average dimensions of six to eight inches for individual risers, twelve to sixteen inches for tread depth, and thirty-six inches for tread width. The project also covers the installation of an eighteen-inch diameter, twelve-foot long culvert at the base of the steps. The contractor must perform additional rock armoring above and below the staircase, along with minor rock retaining work sized to conditions to provide a tight fit, backing, and tie-ins to the existing slopes and trail. Additionally, the agency requires the construction of a micro gravel connection trail. On a section of the trail south of where the Iron Mountain Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail, the contractor must build approximately thirty log steps. These locust steps must achieve approximately twenty feet of vertical gain. All physical performance of the work must take place onsite at the designated trail locations. Eligibility is restricted to onshore organizations based in the United States. Bidders must submit their proposals digitally via email or through the designated online portal. The agency is currently looking for proposals to establish the budget and has not disclosed a pre-determined funding limit or specific evaluation grading scale in the initial request.