Two mile trail proposed for Sturgis

Sturgis commissioners are reviewing a plan calling for development of a trail on leased Michigan Southern Railway right-of-way.

The proposed route would extend from west of Big Hill Road west to North Jefferson Street, then south to Chicago Road.

Initially, the scope of work consists of preliminary design layout, final design, preparation of contractor requests for bids, evaluation of bids, and construction administration for the final design, city officials said.

A draft request for proposals for design services was reviewed Monday by the Sturgis City Commission.

The draft proposal includes design elements for the trail, such as a 10-foot minimum width of the pathway, inclusion of universal design principles and compatibility with the trailway master plan approved in 2013 by the commission.

The city plans to have proposals returned by Feb. 7, with review by the end of February and consideration by the city commission at its meeting March 9.

Approximate length of the proposed trail is two miles.