The PD&E Study for the Hendry County segment of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail proposes the evaluation of a multi-use trail consisting of alternatives along SR 29, SR 80, Keri Road (CR 832), Sears Road, and a north-south alignment along the edge of the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The combined length of the alternative routes is approximately 37.5 miles. Currently, there are intermittent or no existing designated bicycle lanes or sidewalks along these roadways. If completed, the project would provide a 12-foot wide multi-use trail allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to travel safely along various corridors while providing regional connectivity.

The preliminary routing alternatives along with the ‘No-Build’ alternative will be evaluated as part of the PD&E study. Each alternative will be evaluated to determine potential social, cultural, natural, and physical environmental impacts and benefits, engineering constraints, and safety enhancements. The proposed trail passes through LaBelle providing potential connection to LaBelle Nature Park, LaBelle Heritage Museum, Barron Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. In addition, the study will evaluate more direct access to entry points for Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA, Okaloacoochee Slough WMA, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest and Ortona Lock South Campground.

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 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 study 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

What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) project development process. A PD&E Study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of proposed roadway and other project improvements. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for improvement projects. These 'Build' alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for improvements or stormwater, if applicable, will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The 'No-Build' alternative is evaluated throughout the study process. This 'No-Build' alternative leaves the existing transportation infrastructure as it is, with only routine maintenance as required for existing facilities. If the study results in a 'Build' alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the design phase. 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 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's 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 '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 (OEM) for Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA). 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 proposed improvements.

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 (see map). 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. For general information, visit the project website at FloridaHeartlandRegionalTrail.com.

What alternatives are being considered?

As per the 2024 Master Plan, one alternative follows SR 29 within Hendry County with the intent of including a trail separated from vehicle travel lanes but within road right-of-way. This route passes through LaBelle providing potential connection to LaBelle Nature Park, LaBelle Heritage Museum, Barron Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. Another alternative follows SR 29 as described above except where it follows a segment of Keri Road (CR 832) east, then north along an alignment on the edge of state forest land, then finally returning west to SR 29 along Sears Road. The intent of this alternative route is to provide more direct access to entry points for Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Okaloacoochee Slough WMA, and Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest. This alternative also includes a spur from SR 29 to Dalton Lane along SR 80 in this area to connect to Ortona Lock South Campground in Glades County.