Becker County Saves Big on Final Stretch of Heartland Trail

Becker County is celebrating significant savings on the final leg of the Heartland Trail, which will connect Detroit Lakes to Frazee.
The lowest bid for the project came from Hough, Inc. of Detroit Lakes at $861,342, approximately 22% under the engineer’s estimate. The work will include multi-use trail construction, grading, culverts, aggregate base, and bituminous surfacing.
The trail will span roughly 2 miles, following Highway 10 from the new bike bridge over Becker County Road 10 to 105th Street, and then cutting across to Highway 87 near Lions Park at Frazee’s western limits.
The bid award is contingent upon the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ agreement with Burlington Township for right-of-way use on 105th Street.
Nine bids were received, with six coming in under the engineer’s estimate. The second-lowest bid, from Dennis Drewes, Inc., came in at $685,673 (20% under estimate), and Central Specialties, Inc. of Alexandria submitted a bid of $694,993 (19% under estimate). The highest bid, over $1 million, was 25% above the estimate.
The final section of the trail will provide safe, scenic access to Frazee, where recent improvements to Highway 87, including a wide sidewalk, will ensure trail users can navigate into town with ease.
Sources: Becker County Board, January 21, 2025
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