In 2024, FDOT completed a 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 Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network. The Master Plan set the stage to conduct PD&E 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 (SR) 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 US 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 SR 29 Trail segment. The SR 29 Trail segment extends from Everglades City to the Collier/Hendry County line. The Marco Island Loop Trail extends along SR 951 (Collier Boulevard) from Judge Jolley Bridge to US 41 and County Road (CR) 92 (San Marco Road) from Goodland Road to US 41. The purpose of this PD&E 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 PD&E 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 and a public hearing. 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 PD&E studies being conducted?

Because of the project’s extensive length, PD&E 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. A “no-build” alternative will also be considered which assumes that the trail will not be developed.

What is a PD&E Study?

A PD&E study is a comprehensive study that evaluates social, economic and environmental effects associated with proposed transportation improvements. The study helps FDOT reach a decision on the project’s type, location and conceptual design to meet its proposed purpose and need. The basic activities of a PD&E Study include:

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.

Alternatives Development and Analysis

Once data collection is completed, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment alternatives, including a ‘No-Build’ alternative. The ‘No-Build’ alternative assumes no improvements. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix.

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.

Alternatives Public Meeting

Combining the public input with the needs of the corridor, several improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated along with the “No-Build” alternative during the PD&E Study. This meeting presents the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the viable ‘Build’ alternatives as compared to the ‘No-Build’ alternative. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alternatives under consideration.

Public Hearing

After all public comments are reviewed and the analysis of the alternatives has been refined, a formal public hearing is held to provide a forum for input from property owners and interested parties on the final recommendations. A final decision is not made until after the public hearing.

Final Acceptance

After the comments from the public hearing have been received, considered and addressed, the project reports will be finalized and submitted to the Office of Environmental Management for Location and Design Concept Acceptance. Once acceptance is granted, the PD&E Study phase of the project will be complete. The phases that follow the PD&E Study are design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way, if necessary, and construction of the improvements.