Estero Council Keeps Bonita Estero Rail Trail on Track Ahead of January Closing

Estero's Village Council voted unanimously on Oct. 28 not to withdraw from the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT), one day before the withdrawal deadline. The vote clears the way for the 11.4-mile corridor linking Estero, Bonita Springs and Collier County to move toward purchase.

What the Vote Means

With Estero staying in, all three jurisdictions are now committed. Closing on the unused Seminole Gulf Railway right-of-way is expected in January. The full corridor is priced at about $60 million, and Bonita Springs voters approved a $35 million bond in August to fund their share. Collier County has committed $11.6 million.

Soil Testing and Cleanup

Environmental testing along the corridor found contaminants, including arsenic and hydrocarbons, above residential or industrial cleanup thresholds at some Estero sample locations. Consultants recommend working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on a cleanup plan, which could include soil removal or capping, potentially during trail construction. Estero's mayor noted that similar findings are common on converted rail lines.

Timeline

Construction will be phased and is at least two years away, so near-term changes along the corridor will be limited to design and track removal.

What this means for buyers and sellers

A future multi-use trail through Estero and Bonita Springs is the kind of amenity that tends to draw buyers who value walkability and biking, though the timeline is long and the effect on any specific neighborhood will vary. If you own or are considering a home near the corridor, it is worth understanding the schedule and the cleanup plan. Call Sky Coastal Realty at 239.745.8903, or explore our Estero real estate resources.

This post summarizes reporting from WGCU and WINK News, along with WINK News coverage of the August Bonita Springs vote. Details may change; consult the original reports.