Collier County is moving forward with a significant land acquisition for a portion of the Bonita-Estero Rail Corridor. The agreement purchased approximately 24.3 acres—representing about 1.5 miles of the corridor located within Collier County—for $11,642,069. The corridor begins at Wiggins Pass Road and ends at Alico Road in Lee County. This is a former railway line that’s being transformed into one of Southwest Florida’s most ambitious public trail projects—commonly known as the Bonita—Estero Rail Trail (BERT).
The 15-mile long, 130-foot-wide former rail line that runs north—south through Lee and Collier Counties is being acquired in phases with help from The Trust for Public Land.
- Phase 1 – 11.4 miles from Estero Parkway to Collier County
- Future phases – Extend north in Lee County and is to be supported by Estero and Bonita.
As the project progresses, the corridor will move through the federal abandonment process. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners authorized participation in the federal rail abandonment process overseen by the Surface Transportation Board. County staff is working to finalize key transaction details, including due diligence provisions, closing conditions, and overall deal structure.
Under the agreement structure, The Trust for Public Land will acquire the corridor and then convey individual segments to participating governmental partners. Each partner will take ownership of its segment and lead future planning, funding, design, and construction.
The biggest goal is to convert the unused rail line into a multi-use paved trail for walking, biking, and commuting via non-motorized methods. Once complete, the trail will be about 12 feet wide and paved. It will connect to other regional trails, including the larger Florida Gulf Coast Trail system and serve as both a recreational amenity and a transportation alternative. The trail is proposed as a safe alternative to busy roads for cyclists and pedestrians and a new north—south route without cars.
A key component of the agreement is the inclusion of an Interim Trail Use Agreement, which will guide how the corridor is used following closing (the purchase). This provision supports the broader rail-to- trail initiative, allowing the former rail line to be converted into a multi-use recreational trail.
Additionally, a separate Memorandum of Agreement governing cost-sharing for due diligence activities among Collier County, The Trust for Public Land, and regional partners is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
Because closing is expected after that date, staff will continue coordinating with partners and return to the Board with any necessary amendments. An update on the consideration of the final agreement is scheduled for the April 14 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
The total completion cost of the project is undetermined.