Collier County is taking a big step toward creating the Bonita–Estero Rail Trail, a 15‑mile path that will connect parts of Collier and Lee Counties. The county has agreed to buy 24.3 acres—about 1.5 miles of the corridor—for $11.6 million. The trail will run from Wiggins Pass Road north to Alico Road, turning an unused rail line into a 12‑foot‑wide paved path for walking, biking, and other non‑motorized travel.
The project is being developed in phases with help from The Trust for Public Land. Collier County’s portion will move through the federal rail abandonment process before construction begins. A Board of County Commissioners update is set for April 14, and a cost‑sharing agreement with partners runs through June 30, 2026…