It was originally hoped that a contractor would be hired by May to rehab or replace the wheelchair access ramp above Rush Creek on Independence Trail, which also provides good views for all hikers. But the land access manager for Bear Yuba Land Trust says they’ve learned a lot about how much more complicated the process is. Shaun Clarke says they’ve decided to hold off on awarding a contract until after engineering work is completed…

click to listen to Shaun Clarke

Clarke says it’s now hoped that a contractor can be hired by this fall, so it’s unlikely the project will begin until next year. Work will be done in 3 phases…

click to listen to Shaun Clarke

The ramp, built in the 1980’s, was closed in the fall of last year, due to a lack of maintenance, which increased safety concerns, especially before with winter rains ahead. Funding must also be obtained, through grants and private donations. But a specific total pricetag hasn’t been determined yet. Clarke says because there are so many variables to sort out, contractor bids, alone, have ranged from $75 to $100,000. Clarke says it will also be expensive to transport materials to the ramp, since it’s about a mile up the trail from the road. Other costs include paying for engineering and design studies, as well as permitting through Nevada City.