Appendix 4-A - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation ...

Typical Costs for Trail & Path Construction
Trail and path construction costs vary greatly by location, complexity of design,
surface material, choice of installer, and other factors and thus are typically
presented as estimates rather than specific amounts. The estimates on the
following pages were developed using average costs compiled from historical
precedent, bid tabulations from current projects, VDOT bid tabulations, and other
sources. The best source, however, often is the manufacturer or supplier who
can provide up-to-the-minute costs over the telephone or via e-mail. In these
instances, be sure to add in costs for shipping and installation since many
manufacturers and suppliers only give costs for materials alone. Costs should be
adjusted in subsequent years to adjust for varying economic conditions,
fluctuations in material costs, and other variables.
Each dollar amount in the “Estimated Cost” column on the following spreadsheet
represents a single cost for labor, materials, overhead and profit, and installation
in 2011 dollars. The “Unit” column refers to the unit of measure typically applied
to each item. For example, on-site earthwork is generally costed at $5.00 per
cubic yard and therefore one needs to know how many cubic yards are required
for each project.
Always remember to add a line item for contingencies in your cost estimate to
account for unexpected work. A typical contingency amount is 10% to 12% of the
subtotaled construction cost. Design and consultant fees must also be accounted
for and also typically range between 10% and 12% of the subtotaled construction
cost.
Cost Estimation Resources:
Flink, Charles A., Kristine Olka, and Robert M. Searns. Trails for the Twenty-First
Century: Planning, Design, and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails.
Washington: Island Press, 2001.
R.S. Means/Reed Construction Data Site Work & Landscape Cost Data.
Available at:
http://rsmeans.reedconstructiondata.com/
Virginia Department of Transportation Bid Tabulations
(Tabulation costs include overhead, profit, and labor costs)
http://www.virginiadot.org/business/const/resources-bidtabs.asp