The BERT Trail Faces a Deadline: Collier County Has Until March to Secure Land

When you hear “trail” you might picture a quiet walk through trees. But for the planned BERT Rail Trail — stretching between Naples and Bonita Springs — the clock is ticking in a way that could impact land values, development plans and local amenities. The project needs to amass the remaining parcels of land by March 2026 or risk serious disruptions.

A Trail Plan That’s Become Real Property Business

The trail is rooted in the vision of turning the defunct southern section of the FEC rail corridor into a multi-use path for walking, biking and recreation. Local officials have spent years negotiating with landowners, environmental advocates and local residents to make that happen. Recently, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners approved key extension of the purchase timeline — but also imposed a hard deadline. With financial commitments, appraisals, and deals in motion, the project has entered the land-acquisition phase in earnest.

March 2026 Cut-off

Behind the deadline lies more than a calendar date. Once land purchases are approved, the county still needs to fund construction, environmental clearances and trail-design work. Delay in acquiring the parcels risks cost increases, scope changes or even losing grant funding. Local property owners along the corridor are watching closely — each delayed purchase keeps future zoning, road access and development potential in limbo.

Neighborhoods Along the Route

The trail corridor runs through parts of Naples and Bonita Springs where growth pressure is already strong. For nearby homeowners and developers, this means a few possibilities: improved access and property value if the trail comes in as planned; or longer-term uncertainty if delays persist. Some local businesses are anticipating increased pedestrian and bike traffic; others worry about maintenance, parking and infrastructure strain once the trail is active. The March 2026 benchmark makes all of these scenarios feel less hypothetical.

The Park-And-Trail Ecosystem Gets a New Player

Traditionally, Collier County’s outdoor-amenity map has featured beaches, golf courses and preserves. The Bert Rail Trail could re-shape that by adding a linear greenway connecting neighborhoods and communities. As such, it becomes more than a path — it’s a piece of regional infrastructure. For planners and local government, managing access points, intersections and safety standards becomes as important as the trail itself.

For Local Stakeholders:

If you’re in real estate, development, or running a business along the potential trail corridor, your next move is to monitor the county’s land-acquisition status, timeline tweaks and any public-input sessions. The stretch between land deals and construction is where risk and opportunity converge. A developer might see an opening for adjacent housing or visitor experiences; a resident might start planning for morning runs or cycling access from the backyard.

How the Trail Could Elevate Naples’ Active-Lifestyle Brand

Naples is known for luxury living, beaches, boating and golf. A high-profile trail like this adds a layer of active-transport and wellness that further diversifies the lifestyle appeal. That can be meaningful for second-home buyers, moving professionals and local families alike. If delivered as planned, the Bert Rail Trail could join the list of amenities that make the region attractive beyond sunshine and sand.

The Deadline Doesn’t Mean the Finish Line

March 2026 is just for land acquisition. After that the real grind begins: funding construction, coordinating jurisdictions, securing approvals and opening the trail. Still, a clear acquisition deadline gives the project momentum — and gives all stakeholders a clearer window to align their plans.