Part of the trail extension and construction involved the incorporation of an 18.5-mile stretch of historic railroad tracks. This railway was previously used for almost a century as transportation by a circus company, and our team worked to integrate the complex historic site with green infrastructure around the tracks.

The team also revitalized bridge structures, a neglected building, and a decommissioned Florida Division of Motor Vehicles test track. These decisions promoted the accelerated schedule and preserved historic elements that speak to the life of the local area.  

Uniting community considerations and environmental wellness, Kimley-Horn provided the following services for the Legacy Trail Extension and North Port Connector:  

The nine-mile Legacy Trail Extension and five-mile North Port Connector offer pedestrians and bicyclists the opportunity to travel between multiple cities and access schools and parks throughout the region. The trail also provides amenities—including parking, restrooms, playgrounds, bicycle repair stations, and pickleball courts—and integrates technological safety features like high-intensity activated crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacon crossings.

The Legacy Trail Extension and North Port Connector have welcomed many more visitors since the project’s completion—a true testament to the trail’s community impact and environmental preservation that can now be enjoyed for 30 continuous miles.