Carbon County Commissioners want to make it safer and easier for disabled people to enter and exit the county parking lot along Route 209. They sought bids from construction companies to build an Americans with Disabilities Act - compliant pedestrian access at the lot, along Route 209 adjacent to the courthouse annex.

Seven companies submitted bids, ranging from $29,000 to $51,716, which were opened Thursday. The bids will be reviewed, and a decision made on which company to hire when Commissioners meet on Feb. 17.The project involves a curb ramp, a bituminous ramp, milling and resurfacing and railroad compliance.The companies and their bids are: Eastern Industries Inc., Center Valley, $29,000; Bruce George Paving & Excavating, Kunkletown, $35,250; A.J. Trunzo Inc., Bath, $44,900; Schuylkill Paving Inc., Schuylkill Haven, $45,000; Pennsy Supply Inc. (doing business as Slusser Bros.), Wapwallopen, $46,925 (the company did not provide a total bid, so county officials added up the costs for each facet of the job); Donohue Excavating and Paving, Schuylkill Haven, $49,967.County solicitor Michael Ozalas said he had questions concerning two of the required 10 percent bid bonds. The one from Trunzo named the Borough of Jim Thorpe as the obligee, and the one from Pennsy Supply was not signed.Work is expected to begin in March, depending on the weather, and finish by the end of May, said Commissioners Chairman William O'Gurek.