What’s Next for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)?

For years, the inactive Seminole Gulf Railway corridor has been an abandoned strip of track stretching across the heart of Estero and Bonita Springs, extending into Collier County. Today, the vision of transforming this 11.4-mile corridor into a world-class, multi-use recreational path is rapidly shifting from a distant dream to a concrete reality.

Affectionately known as BERT (Bonita Estero Rail Trail), this project promises to reshape how we connect our communities—taking us off traffic-heavy corridors like US-41 and placing us onto a safe, scenic trail for walking, running, and biking.

With landmark agreements signed and local governments on board, here is exactly what is coming next.

1. The Due Diligence Phase (Happening Now)

Local government boards and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) are currently in the thick of the due diligence period, which is slated to wrap up by late August or early September.

Doug Hattaway, Southeast Region Conservation Director for TPL, oversees all aspects of the 11.4-mile purchase from Seminole Gulf Railway and its subsequent transfer of ownership to Estero, Bonita Springs, and Collier County. According to Hattaway, standard due diligence ensures the public is protected by focusing on four major areas::

  • Ownership Research (Complete): Assuring the property is actually owned by the seller without competing claims, guaranteed by a title insurance policy.
  • Independent Appraisals (Nearly Complete):Tthe 180-acre corridor was previously valued at $72 million, TPL and the three jurisdictions agreed to pursue two additional independent appraisals to ensure the negotiated price is supported by market data.
  • Boundary Surveys (Underway): Mapping out the exact lines of the 11.4-mile stretch, which runs from Estero Parkway south to Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County.
  • Environmental Assessments (Beginning late June): Conducting Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental inspections reflecting the rail corridor’s historical uses to check for soil contamination and establish a clear plan of action if cleanup is needed.

2. Counting Down to the Sale Closing

Earlier this year, the Trust for Public Land achieved a breakthrough, negotiating the final purchase price of the corridor down to $60 million.

The purchase costs have been divided among the participating local jurisdictions based on geographic market value:

  • City of Bonita Springs: $28.6 million
  • Village of Estero: $19.8 million
  • Collier County: $11.6 million

The Target Closing Date: October 2026

The revised timeline has established October 2026 as the hard target to officially close the sale and complete the land acquisition.

Important Milestone: The August 18th Vote

Before the final documents can be signed, the City of Bonita Springs is taking its funding mechanism straight to the people. On August 18, 2026, a critical bond referendum will be on the primary ballot. Bonita Springs residents will vote on a $35 million bond issue required to fund their portion of the trail acquisition and kickstart construction. Passing this referendum is the final domino needed to secure the corridor.

3. The Vision: Designing and Building the Trail

Once the land officially belongs to the public this fall, the project transitions into the Design Phase.

The three jurisdictions and Friends of BERT leadership have officially agreed to continue working together to plan, design, and maintain the trail. The Design phase is expected to take 18 to 24 months. During this time, architects and engineering consultants will work alongside a tri-jurisdiction task force to map out a true community destination.

What the Design Phase Will Focus On:

  • Safety and Connectivity: Engineering safe intersections where the trail meets major roadways and designing direct links to schools, parks, and major economic hubs like Coconut Point.
  • Trail Infrastructure: Ensuring the path is wide and accessible enough to comfortably accommodate everyone from casual walkers and strollers to high-speed cyclists.
  • Community Amenities: Integrating pocket parks, hydration stations, shaded rest stops, native landscaping, and lighting for possible evening use.

What happens to the tracks? > Seminole Gulf Railway is legally responsible for pulling up and disposing of the old tracks, and they have up to two years to complete it. Fortunately, the tracks will not impede the study and design phase, allowing planning to move forward without delay.

Why BERT is Worth the Wait

Southwest Florida routinely ranks among the most challenging areas in the nation for pedestrian and bicycle safety. BERT changes that narrative completely.

By giving our community a dedicated, car-free corridor, we aren’t just building an alternative transit route—we are investing in a healthier local economy, boosting nearby property values, and preserving 180 acres of green space for generations to come.

The path forward is clear, the timelines are set, and the momentum is unstoppable. Stay tuned, get ready to vote in August, and let’s get ready to hit the trail!

Want to stay up-to-date or find out how you can support the project? Visit the Friends of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail website to learn about volunteering or becoming a trail sponsor!