New urban trail plans to connect Fort Myers and North Fort Myers

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lee County leaders are considering options for a new shared-use trail to connect Fort Myers and North Fort Myers, with a public meeting scheduled tonight to discuss the project's future.

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is studying options to build an urban trail that would cross the Caloosahatchee River using the new 8-foot-wide sidewalk on the Caloosahatchee Bridge along U.S. 41.

On the northwest side, the path would connect to the state's Sun Trail Network along Littleton Road, which becomes Kismet Parkway in Cape Coral. To the southeast, it would link up with the John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail, which is currently being extended to Hanson Street.

Once completed, the trail would become part of the Florida Department of Transportation Sun Trail Network, expanding safe options for walkers, runners, and cyclists across the region.

Right now, this is just a feasibility study, and planners are looking at both on-road and off-road routes, evaluating their options, and will recommend a preferred alignment.

Ron Gogoi, transportation planning administrator for Lee County MPO, said, "This is going to be our second public meeting, and we believe in getting the public involved. What we are trying to do is look into various alternatives to come up with this new trail alignment."

Tonight's public information meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the project and share thoughts. The open house runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation and Q&A from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers.

County leaders say public feedback could help shape how the trail connects communities on both sides of the river.

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