City of Laredo Officially Inaugurates Manadas Creek Hike & Bike Trail At North Central Park

Posted on Aug 29, 2014 | 0 comments

Special to the Laredo Sun

LAREDO, TEXAS- “This added Phase-ID of Manadas Creek Hike and Bike Trail only enhances what North Central Park was designed to be for: a park to be enjoyed by
the entire community for those wishing to utilize it for health benefits and for those who want to be able to enjoy the outdoor space and natural beauty
of Laredo’s environment,” said Cm. San Miguel. “I’m so excited for the citizens of Laredo to enjoy this new trail at North Central Park.”

On May 27, 2010 the Texas Transportation Committee authorized the 2010 Federal Demonstration and Discretionary Programs, which authorizes the
State to undertake and complete a highway improvement generally described as the construction of hike and bike trail, such as the one at Manadas
Creek in the City of Laredo.

On November 2, 2010 the City received an Advanced Funding Agreement for the design and construction of Phase-1D of Manadas Creek Hike and Bike Trail. The job included survey, design, construction and environmental work for approximately 2,324 linear feet of ADA compliance asphalt two foot-wide Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Type D trail system; retaining wall; handicap ramps; and concrete pathways. The City of Laredo already completed phase 1A, 1B, and 1C of Manadas Creek in North Central Park.

In April 2011, the Laredo City Council hired Gilpin Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas for the North Central Park Phase-1D, Manadas Creek Hike and Bike Trail Project (CSJ 0922-33-139). In March, 2012, the City of Laredo opened bids and there were five contractors submitting the bids. Since there was only one contractor that TXDOT had prequalified and that bid was about 93% higher than the engineers estimate, the City of Laredo rejected the bids and instead, requested the approval for forced account work, instead of competitive bids, from TXDOT and was approved in February 2013. The City of Laredo Public Works Department started the construction in late 2013 and finished in July 2014.

The total cost of the project is $850,000, including a $300,000 federal grant, through Congressman Henry Cuellar.

“The grand opening of the Manadas Creek Hike and Bike Trail is a major accomplishment for the citizens of Laredo,” said Congressman Cuellar. “In 2010, I worked to secure this $300,000 federal earmark for the City of Laredo to design and construct the Manadas Creek Hike and Bike Trail. The new trail adds more green spaces and walking areas for Laredo residents, while still preserving the character of Manadas Creek and protecting our local environment. I would like to congratulate the City for successfully completing this project.”

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