Centennial Trail Connections Near 1st Ave

The City of South San Francisco is soliciting informal bids for construction of several minor pedestrian and bicycle pathway connections along the Centennial Trail corridor near 1st St in South San Francisco. These improvements are intended to formalize existing pedestrian “desire paths” and close short gaps in the active transportation network, improving safety, accessibility, and continuity between sidewalks, local streets, and the Centennial Trail.

The work generally includes demolition of existing improvements as needed; grading and preparation of subgrade; installation of new asphalt pathways and limited concrete sidewalk areas; curb modifications; and installation of appurtenances such as headerboard, bollards, and ADA-compliant detectable warning panels at select street connections. All work will be constructed in accordance with the City of South San Francisco Construction Standards, Caltrans Standard Specifications, and applicable ADA requirements.

These improvements are localized, site-specific, and designed to be constructed efficiently with minimal disruption to adjacent properties. The City is seeking experienced paving and concrete contractors capable of delivering high-quality workmanship, coordinating work across multiple nearby locations, and completing construction in a safe, timely, and professional manner.

Over time, pedestrian and bicycle activity along the Centennial Trail corridor near 1st St has revealed several informal access points where users have created “desire paths” through landscaped or unimproved areas. These paths indicate consistent public demand for more direct and intuitive connections between sidewalks, streets, and the trail system. While functional, the existing informal routes are not ADA-compliant, can contribute to erosion and maintenance issues, and do not provide the level of safety or durability appropriate for public infrastructure.

This project is intended to address those conditions by converting select desire paths into permanent, accessible pathway connections that better reflect how people actually move through the area. The work must be constructed within constrained urban environments, adjacent to active streets, businesses, and residences, and in some cases must tie cleanly into existing sidewalks, curb lines, or trail facilities. Attention to grades, drainage, transitions, and finishes will be critical to long-term performance and user safety.

A successful project will deliver clean, durable improvements that appear intentional and well-integrated with surrounding infrastructure, minimize impacts during construction, and meet City and Caltrans standards.