LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — August 26, 2025 – Construction officially begins Monday on the long-anticipated Able Canal shared-use pathway, a $10.2 million project that promises to reshape recreation and connectivity across Lehigh Acres.

According to the Lee County government, initial flagging and staging activities will take place at Lehigh Acres Park, though officials emphasized that “there should be no impact on park users while construction is ongoing.”

The project will build a 12-foot-wide, 5.58-mile trail running along the north side of the Able Canal. Designed for walkers, runners, and cyclists, the pathway will include a pedestrian bridge, shaded pavilions, landscaped rest areas, and other amenities to encourage outdoor activity and community gatherings.

County leaders said the pathway will serve as a crucial connector, linking neighborhoods to key destinations including Harns Marsh, Lehigh Acres Park, Lehigh Elementary School, and Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park.

Officials noted the project’s broader purpose: “The goal of the pathway is to provide more recreational opportunities and non-motorized access between residential, commercial, recreational, and civic areas,” according to the county.

The contract for the project was awarded to Pavement Maintenance LLC, with funding provided through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Local Agency Program Grant along with regional and community park impact fees.

Construction is expected to continue in phases with a scheduled completion date in fall 2027.

The Able Canal pathway has been a long-requested improvement in Lehigh Acres, one of the fastest-growing communities in Lee County. Once finished, it will not only enhance outdoor recreation but also expand safe routes for students, families, and residents who want alternatives to vehicle travel.

Local officials believe the project will also support economic growth by increasing access to parks, schools, and commercial areas while enhancing the overall quality of life for Lehigh Acres residents.

Originally reported by James Curtis in Gulf Coast News.