In an effort to improve mobility for seniors at the Cedars of Dexter retirement home, the Dexter Village Council is considering a contract with the Washtenaw County Road Commission to construct a sidewalk.

According to information provided by the village, the construction calls for a 5-foot-wide sidewalk along Dexter-Pinckney Road to Westridge Drive as well as construction of a crosswalk and pedestrian signal near the southeast intersection of Dexter-Pinckney and Island Lake roads.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $86,250, which covers project administration, construction engineering and layout and inspection by the county. The village has budgeted $100,000 to cover the project cost.

Matthew MacDonnell, senior project manager for the road commission, said he predicts construction bids will come in under budget.

"I expect that in the spring when contractors are looking to fill their schedules, bids will come in under what we've projected," he said. "Once we request bids, we will bring our recommendation back to the village council before proceeding with the project."

MacDonnell said bids will be sent out in April with a goal of construction breaking ground this summer.

The village council will vote to approve the contract with Washtenaw County at its regular meeting Feb. 13. The council meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dexter Senior Center.