JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND NEWINGTON, CT

Location:	Connecticut
Posted:	Jun 22, 2026
Due:	Jul 14, 2026
Agency:	Town of Newington
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	C - Architect and Engineering Services - Construction
Solicitation No:	RFP 2025-2026-WH
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY

TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD

AND NEWINGTON, CT

Release Date: June 15, 2026

RFI Deadline: June 29, 2026

RFP Due Date: July 14, 2026

BID # 260047

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY

TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD and

NEWINGTON, CT

ALL QUESTIONS TO

RICK HYMAN

BUYER

All questions must be emailed to procurement@westhartfordct.gov prior to the

established timeline for questions per these bidding documents.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP):

JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY

TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND

NEWINGTON, CT

1. Purpose

The Towns of Newington and West Hartford are soliciting proposals from qualified firms to

provide Professional Engineering and Design Services for a Joint Pedestrian and Walking Trail

Feasibility Study. Both towns were awarded Connecticut DEEP Recreational Trails planning

grants and intend to coordinate their efforts, as the proposed trail connections meet at the

municipal border.

Given the shared goals and overlapping project areas, the towns intend to collaborate,

combine resources, and engage a single trail-planning consultant to ensure efficiency,

consistency, and a comprehensive evaluation of the full connection. Together, they are

seeking a unified feasibility study that identifies the most practical, accessible, and connected

routes for a regional trail alignment.

Project Budget:

In 2023, Newington was awarded a Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant to study and plan a

multi-use trail connecting Newington to West Hartford. West Hartford was awarded a

Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant in 2024 to assess additional trail connections within

West Hartford and linkages to Newington.

The total funding allotted for the services outlined in this RFP is $218,750

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Towns of West Hartford and Newington are seeking proposals from qualified consultants

to conduct a comprehensive joint feasibility study for a pedestrian and multi-use trails

connecting the two towns and providing enhanced trail access.' The study will assess existing

and potential trail corridors, connectivity, accessibility, and integration with community and

recreational goals.

The selected consultant will be tasked with conducting a thorough analysis and planning for

this trail connection to provide the Towns with proper routing, design requirements, and an

accurate construction budget to secure funding for potential multi-use trails.

Objectives:

 Evaluate potential trail alignments, trailheads, and connectivity

 Ensure ADA compliance

 Provide a detailed feasibility report with cost estimates, mapping, and phasing

recommendations

 Include a community engagement plan to engage and measure residents’ and current

and future trails users’ participation in West Hartford, Newington, and New Britain.

Newington Project Description: The Town of Newington seeks a feasibility study and a

macro-level plan for an approximately 2-mile-long multi-use trail (Attachment A, Location Map

X) connecting to West Hartford. This trail will provide an essential connection between existing

Connecticut trails and bisect the Newington Junction Historic Neighborhood.

The feasibility study will guide the future development of a continuous multi-use trail from New

Britain through Newington, connecting to trails in West Hartford in the most practical way

possible and best serving future trail users. The study will evaluate trail alignment, trailheads,

connectivity, site conditions, and potential phasing.

The route should be designed as a universal, accessible trail that ensures maximum

compatibility with accessible trails and parking for persons with disabilities. In addition, the plan

should include an integrated trailhead for access and engagement with existing historic assets.

The Town of Newington emphasizes a careful, thoughtful process to ensure the build's efficacy

and longevity. When realized, the initiative will expand opportunities for physical, educational,

and historical recreation and amplify existing recreational and cultural opportunities for

residents.

West Hartford Project Description:

The Town of West Hartford seeks to develop a comprehensive planning study for its Tri-Point

Greenway concept to connect existing multi-use trails in the three communities of Hartford

[Hartford South Branch Trail], West Hartford [Trout Brook Trail], and Newington [CTFastrak

Multi-Use Trail], (hereinafter the “Trail”). This study will assess the feasibility of closing two

multi-use trail gaps totaling just over three miles. (See Attachment A, Location Map)

The report will provide recommendations for planning, design, implementation, and potential

funding opportunities for a connected trail network between the towns.

Budget:

 West Hartford: $100,000 DEEP grant + $25,000 match = $125,000

 Newington: $75,000 DEEP grant + $18,750 match = $93,750

SUBMISSION

 Electronic submission via West Hartford Vendor Portal. Questions:

procurement@westhartfordct.gov

Note: Submissions must comply with both towns’ legal standards.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are

encouraged to apply.”

2. Scope of Services

The consultant shall provide:

1. Assessment of existing trails, sidewalks, and greenway corridors.

2. A thorough analysis and proper routing of potential trail connections within and between

West Hartford and Newington.

3. Evaluation of accessibility, safety, environmental, and cultural/historical considerations.

4. Public engagement, including stakeholder meetings and community input.

5. Development of mapping, conceptual designs, and planning documents.

6. Accurate construction estimates for proposed trails

7. Deliverables including a written report, supporting materials, and digital files suitable for

municipal planning purposes.

3. Minimum Qualifications of Proposers

 Demonstrated experience in trail planning, greenway design, and multi-municipal

coordination.

 Knowledge of municipal planning, parks and recreation, and environmental regulations.

 Experience with public engagement and community-based planning processes.

4. Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

 The technical competence of the consultant/firm;

 The consultant’s/firm’s experience on similar projects with towns comparable to

Newington and West Hartford;

 The consultant’s/firm’s qualifications and the experience of key personnel;

 The consultant’s/firm’s proposal to work with and engage the public in a creative and

interactive manner;

 Reputation of the consultant/firm based on references;

 The expected quality and description of the deliverables that the consultant can provide

for the established budget;

 The consultant’s/firm’s ability to schedule the project;

• An evaluation of the fee proposal.

5. Proposal Requirements

5.1 Cover Sheet

 RFP Name or Number

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Number:	RFP 2025-2026-WH
Bid Title:	JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND NEWINGTON, CT
Category:	Non-Construction
Status:	Open

JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND NEWINGTON, CT

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