One of several existing bridges that the trail will utilize.

Rail-Trail Project
Florida Overseas Heritage Trail

Even as the Overseas Heritage Master Plan is being developed, the county has been working diligently to build trail segments where citizens have expressed a need. Since 1994, the county has been requesting enhancement funding from the Florida Department of Transportation, District 6 (DOT) to help build the trail.

In response to requests from on-road cyclists, DOT also agreed to construct paved shoulders for a designated bicycle lane along County Road 905 in North Key Largo. The bicycle lane is scheduled for construction this year. Monroe County originally requested a separated path; however, environmental agencies deemed the area surrounding North Key Largo Hammocks and the Crocodile Refuge too sensitive. A less intensive design was developed to protect the endangered species and to support the environmental protection objectives of the area. Based on comments received at a recent trail workshop in Key Largo, Monroe County believes that this bicycle lane will be a vital connection to the Overseas Heritage Trail.

The new trail projects (except for 905) usually include a separated, multiple use, paved trail along the US 1 right of way. Project designs may evolve over time based on environmental impacts, master plan recommendations, engineering constraints, and available funding.

Below is a brief summary of project statistics that are currently programmed for design and construction.