In 2024, FDOT completed the Collier to Polk Trail Master Plan to evaluate a paved, multiuse trail for bicyclists and pedestrians from Collier County to Polk County. The Master Plan included preliminary routing alternatives and associated recommendations to develop the project as a regionally significant trail within the Florida Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) Trail Network. The Master Plan set the stage to conduct feasibility studies for what is now called the Florida Heartland Regional Trail.

The Master Plan resulted in a defined trail corridor within Collier County that includes three trail segments: the 75.2-mile Paradise Coast Trail (PCT), the 18.6-mile Marco Island Loop Trail, and 42.4 miles of trail along State Road (S.R.) 29 within FDOT right-of-way. The Paradise Coast Trail primarily utilizes existing roadway corridors to connect Immokalee to Collier-Seminole State Park in southern Collier County. The north-south component of the PCT includes the existing Rich King Memorial Greenway and portions of existing trail along United States (U.S.) 41 (Tamiami Trail). The east-west component of the PCT links Baker Park and Gordon River Greenway with the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and continues east to Immokalee where it eventually connects to the S.R. 29 Trail segment. The S.R. 29 Trail segment extends from Everglades City to the Collier/Hendry County line. The Marco Island Loop Trail extends along S.R. 951 (Collier Boulevard) from Judge Jolley Bridge to U.S. 41 and County Road (C.R.) 92 (San Marco Road) from Goodland Road to U.S. 41.

The purpose of this feasibility study is to further evaluate the trail corridor to establish the SUN Trail network for the FHRT in Collier County.

Public involvement is an integral part of the feasibility study process. FDOT will use various activities to engage interested parties in the study process and there will be opportunities for public comment, including an alternatives public information meeting. You may also submit comments or questions about this project at any time during the study, by using the "Send a comment" button to the right.

If you are interested in being added to the mailing list to receive study information, please use the "Send a comment button" to provide your information to the project team.

What is a regionally significant trail?
The Florida Heartland Regional Trail has been identified and prioritized as a regionally significant trail by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council [Section 260.0142(4)(c), FS]. That means it is recognized for its potential to:

• Cross multiple counties
• Attract national and international visitors
• Provide opportunities for economic and ecotourism development
• Showcase the value of wildlife areas, ecology, and natural resources
• Serve as a main corridor for critical links and trail connectedness

Why are multiple feasibility studies being conducted?

Because of the project’s extensive length, feasibility studies are being conducted for each county that is part of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail planning area: Collier, Hendry, Glades, Highlands, Hardee, and Polk. Each study will follow its own schedule to evaluate the Master Plan’s preliminary alternatives, assess environmental impacts, and solicit public input.

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is a planning study that includes a preliminary evaluation of the social, economic and environmental effects associated with proposed transportation improvements. The study helps FDOT reach a decision on project segments that warrant more detailed analysis versus those that could be accelerated towards design and construction. 

Data Collection

The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridor including existing and planned infrastructure, existing and future land uses, drainage patterns, and environmental resources.

Alignment Development and Analysis

Once data collection is completed, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment concepts. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alignments are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix. The Department uses the evaluation matrix to assess which alignments are considered feasible for advancement towards design and construction.

Public Kickoff Meeting or Newsletter

A public kickoff meeting is held, or a newsletter is mailed, to introduce the project to the public and provide an opportunity to view and comment on the project’s need and objectives.

Public Meeting

Combining the public input with the needs of the corridor, several improvement alignments are developed and evaluated. This meeting presents the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the viable alignments. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alignments under consideration.