Final phase of Orange Blossom Trail Project moves forward with $960,145 contract

REDLANDS, Calif. — The final segment of the ambitious Orange Blossom Trail project takes another step towards completion after the Redlands City Council approved a $960,145 construction contract with Tryco General Engineering during their May 6 meeting. 

Why it matters: Located primarily within existing flood control and railroad rights-of-way, the trail provides non-motorized connectivity linking residents with schools, businesses, parks, public transportation and more in addition to the Santa Ana River Trail at Mountain View Avenue and Opal Avenue.

Details: The Orange Blossom Trail Phase 4 project represents the last remaining segment of the 7.5-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that will connect the east and west of the city to parks and open space areas, including the Santa Ana River, Crafton Hills and San Timoteo Canyon.

The project includes construction of approximately 0.75 miles of multi-use path along the Mission Channel, extending from Redlands Boulevard to a recently constructed trail segment between the north side of the I-10 Freeway and Mountain View Avenue.

Most of the construction work will occur within the San Bernardino County Flood Control District's right-of-way, with the trail to be paved with asphalt concrete.

Project background: The project's origins date back to 2008, when the City Council received and filed the final Orange Blossom Trail conceptual alignment plan prepared by the Dangermond Group. This plan established the proposed trail alignment and implementation strategy for the recreational corridor.

The trail is designed to meet the needs of diverse users, such as long-distance bicyclists, students and wheelchair users, making it an inclusive recreational resource for the community.

In addition to the main path construction, the project will protect existing utilities and trees, install a three-rail PVC fence, signage, pavement striping and markings and construct necessary drainage structures.

Funding: Funding for the project comes from multiple sources. In 2024, the City Council accepted a $1,098,700 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 grant to supplement project costs. The grant requires local matching funds of $192,300 from the City's Public Benefit Trails Reserve.

The bidding process for the project was competitive, with the Redlands City Clerk's office receiving and opening 17 bids on March 13, 2025. Tryco General Engineering of Rimforest, California, emerged as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with a bid of $960,145.

Moving forward: The project is anticipated to be completed within 60 working days after a Notice to Proceed is issued.