Consultants outline LA Mesa trail rehab, favor asphalt for accessibility and maintenance

Bohannon Houston presented preliminary design work for the LA Mesa trail rehabilitation: widening a tight switchback to meet ADA standards, formalizing a 4-foot tie-in to the nearby assisted-living facility, adding guardrails at steep drop-offs and maintaining a 10-foot main path with a 1-foot shoulder. Consultant Sharon Lithgow said design completion is expected later this summer, with bidding to follow and construction possible this winter or spring.

On surfacing, the consultant told the board that after two community sessions and internal analysis the project will "continue to use asphalt for that surface," citing accessibility for mobility devices, lower maintenance and winter plowing as deciding factors. The consultant also noted community interest in softer surfaces and crusher fines but said proponents for that surfacing did not attend the second meeting.

Technical questions centered on guardrail placement and safety; engineer Tyler Smith said guardrails will be added where wooden rails are failing and at sheer drop-offs, not continuously along the entire trail. Staff and members asked about vegetation management and coordination with an airport road-improvement project; the consultant said the county will coordinate tie-ins but the airport work is separate.

The consultant estimated the trail could reopen in spring or summer 2027 if design and bidding proceed as scheduled.