The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to award a contract to build a 12-foot-wide, 5.58-mile asphalt shared-use path along the north side of the Able Canal in Lehigh Acres.
The purpose of the Able Canal shared-use pathway is to facilitate accessible, non-motorized travel options for commuters and recreational users in the Able Canal corridor and within the Lehigh Acres community. The pathway is intended to provide connections between nearby residential areas and Harns Marsh, Lehigh Acres Park, Lehigh Elementary School and Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park. The project includes an asphalt path with a pedestrian bridge, pavilions, landscaping and other amenities.
The property along the Able Canal is owned by the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District. The district has been closely involved in design and permitting. The district will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure not associated with the linear park project.
The pathway will offer healthy recreational activities, as well as provide convenient and safe non-motorized access between numerous residential, commercial, recreational and civic destinations. This could reduce motor vehicle traffic in Lehigh Acres.
The nearly $10.2 million contract was awarded to Pavement Maintenance LLC. It is funded through Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP) Grant and Regional Park and Community Park Impact Fees.
Work on the pathway is expected to begin Summer 2025 and be complete by Spring 2027, weather permitting.
For more information about Lee County Parks and Recreation locations, amenities, and special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275, email leeparks@leegov.com or follow Lee County Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
