Bonita is gaining big momentum for one of Southwest Florida’s most anticipated infrastructure projects.
The Bonita Springs City Council has officially voted to approve the purchase and sale agreement for the rail corridor that will become part of the future Bonita–Estero Rail Trail (BERT). The decision passed in a 6–1 vote during a packed council meeting, with strong community support filling the room.
This vote marks a critical step toward bringing the long-envisioned rail-to-trail project closer to reality.
A Major Piece of the Puzzle
Bonita Springs is one of three jurisdictions required to approve the acquisition of the corridor currently owned by Seminole Gulf Railway.
- The Village of Estero has already unanimously approved the purchase
- Collier County is scheduled to vote on April 14
- Collier has already approved its funding source earlier this month
With Bonita now on board, the project continues to gain meaningful traction across the region.
Breaking Down the Project
The full BERT corridor spans 11.4 miles, running from Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County north to Estero Parkway in Lee County.
- Total acquisition cost: $60 million
- Bonita Springs portion: 5.8 miles
- Bonita’s share: $28.6 million
Once complete, the trail is expected to serve as a multi-use pathway for biking, walking, and alternative transportation, connecting communities in a way Southwest Florida hasn’t seen before.
As part of the vision coming to life, newly released renderings of the Bonita Springs portion of the trail offer a glimpse into what residents can expect. The designs highlight landscaped pathways, gathering areas, and thoughtfully integrated crossings, giving the community its first real look at how this corridor could transform into a vibrant, usable public space.
What Comes Next
Bonita Springs leaders are now looking ahead to how the project will be funded locally.
The City Council is considering a bond ballot measure that would help finance both the land acquisition and construction of the trail. More details on that proposal are expected to be discussed at the April 15 council meeting.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Collier County’s upcoming vote, which represents another key milestone in moving the project forward.
A Moment Years in the Making
For many in the community, today’s vote represents more than just a transaction, it’s the result of years of advocacy, planning, and collaboration.
Council members who supported the measure were met with appreciation from BERT supporters in attendance, and special recognition has been given to Councilman Chris Corrie for his role in helping advance the project over the past several years.
We’ve kept you up to date on this story for years, and we will continue to do so as new details become available. Be sure to subscribe to our SWFL newsletter to get updates about this project, new business openings, upcoming events and so much more!
