CAPE ELIZABETH — A construction bid was awarded last week for improvements to the Gull Crest Trail system.

Town Planner Maureen O’Meara said the bid was approved by Town Manager Mike McGovern last Tuesday, as recommended by the Conservation Commission. The work will be completed by local construction company L.P. Murray & Sons.

O’Meara said the project will cost about $2,500, and will include placing a woven geotextile fabric, 6 feet wide, in six locations along the Inner Loop Trail. After the fabric is in place, a few inches of gravel will be compacted on top. In the six locations, 4-inch-diameter PVC pipes will be installed to preserve existing drainage patterns.

The Gull Crest area is more than 100 acres of land owned by the town with a multi-use purpose. The area is mostly wetlands, and the soil cannot support heavy foot traffic, O’Meara said. The trail upgrades will help to support about 475 linear feet in six sections along the trail and will combat the muddy conditions.

O’Meara said it will be difficult work to haul the gravel and equipment to a location that is not near a road, but she is confident the contractor will be efficient.

“We expect the work to be complete this winter,” she said. “They will start working when the ground is frozen and there is not a lot of snow.”

O’Meara said town is familiar with the work of L.P. Murray & Sons, which recently expanded the Winnick Woods parking lot off Sawyer Road from three to eight parking spaces.

“This contractor is fast, efficient and we know how he works,” she said. “We are pleased to work with them again.”

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net