WALKING IRON TRAIL

Dane County is seeking bids from qualified contractors for the WALKING IRON TRAIL , located at 6715 STH 78, MAZOMANIE, WI . This project involves reconstruction of 2 existing timber rail bridges and rehabilitation of 5 existing timber rail bridges to accommodate multi-modal use, resurfacing and expansion of a gravel parking lot, approximately 3 miles of aggregate surface multi-modal trail work, and construction access work. These work items will generally include but not be limited to: removals, excavation for structures, timber bridge construction, culvert and underdrain pipe installation, backfill structure type A, steel and timber rail, excavation common, base aggregate dense, asphaltic overlay, concrete pavement, clearing and grubbing, erosion control, restoration, signing, park kiosk, temporary and permanent traffic control and signage and all incidental items necessary to complete the work and is being delivered under a County of Dane - Construction Contract for RFB No. 326012 (WIS DOT CONSTRUCTION ID = 5666-00-79).

The goal of this project is to extend the Walking Iron Trail for Public multi-modal recreational use (pedestrian, bike & snowmobile) to the trail bridges crossing the Wisconsin River. Work is expected to be performed in coordination with the Dane County Land, Water, and Resources Division (LWRD) and must comply with all applicable requirements listed in this Request for Bids, which includes all Federal requirements for the Federally Funded Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), along with prevailing wage laws under the Federal Wage Rates.

Interested vendors should have demonstrated experience in the site civil work associated with work detailed in the construction documents and the ability to manage projects of similar size and complexity. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Trailhead parking lot (DNR Wildlife Area) at 6715 STH 78, MAZOMANIE, WI. All questions must be submitted by Friday, April 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm . Bid packages are due by Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm .

This project is part of longer trail system expected to eventually connect to Devil's Lake State Park. After crossing the Wisconsin River (GST-WIT WI River Recreational Bridge Phase 1 Walking Iron Trail) it connects directly to the Great Sauk Trail (Sauk County). The original right-of-way for the trail under this project was utilized by the railroad. The bridge over the main span of the Wisconsin River has been newly reconstructed (it was demolished previously) while the bridge across the secondary channel of the Wisconsin River (Bridge BE B428E) in Dane County is repurposed for the trail utilizing the original circa 1911 historic structures.

Key considerations for vendors include understanding the site specific constraints regarding access and a need for completing the work within the designated timeline. The County encourages all bidders to review the site conditions carefully and propose solutions that align with the project goals, within the scope and specifications provided.