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

The Town of Damascus, Virginia, requires construction services to improve a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The agency is seeking to resolve safety and erosion issues by replacing an existing, deteriorated timber-built staircase with durable stone and log structures. The project aims to stabilize the trail, manage water runoff, and improve hiker accessibility on steep terrain. The scope of work requires the demolition and disposal of the existing timber-built staircase. In its place, the selected contractor must construct stone stairs to achieve approximately twenty-five feet of vertical gain. These stone steps must be installed from the bottom up, featuring individual risers of six to eight inches, a tread depth of twelve to sixteen inches, and an average tread width of thirty-six inches. The project also covers the installation of an eighteen-inch diameter, twelve-foot long culvert at the base of the steps to manage drainage. The contractor must perform additional rock armoring above and below the staircase, along with minor rock retaining work sized to local conditions to ensure a tight fit, backing, and secure tie-ins to the existing slopes. Additionally, the agency requires the construction of a micro gravel connection trail. Further up the trail, south of where the Iron Mountain Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail, the contractor must build approximately thirty log steps using locust wood. These locust steps must achieve approximately twenty feet of vertical gain. All physical construction and demolition activities must be performed onsite at the specified trail locations. The agency is limiting eligibility 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 key dates in the initial solicitation.