East Terry St. Project: A $17.8M Investment in Bonita Springs Infrastructure

The East Terry St. Project has officially reached a major milestone as the Bonita Springs City Council approved a $17.8 million contract to begin construction. This long-anticipated infrastructure initiative is designed to revitalize the corridor from Old 41 Road east to Bonita Grande Drive. By prioritizing stormwater resiliency and modern multimodal transit, the city aims to bolster both environmental protection and the long-term desirability of the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Enhancing Connectivity through the East Terry St. Project

A core objective of the East Terry St. Project is the expansion of multimodal transit options. The plan includes the construction of a dedicated 10-foot multi-use pathway along the south side of the street and new sidewalks on the north side. These improvements will significantly enhance the “Walk Score” of adjacent communities, providing safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Key features of the updated transit corridor include:

• Roundabout Installation: A new roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Morton Avenue to improve traffic flow and reduce rear-end collisions.

• Bridge Improvements: The East Terry Street bridge over I-75 will see its paved shoulders reduced to accommodate a protected, separated multi-use path for non-vehicular traffic.

• Enhanced Safety: New lighting, landscaping, and aesthetic railings will be integrated to improve visibility and the overall neighborhood aesthetic.

Stormwater Resiliency and Environmental Protection

For property owners, the most significant impact of the East Terry St. Project is the advancement of local flood mitigation. Following the severe flooding events of recent years, this project introduces advanced stormwater structures and piped ditches to move water more efficiently toward Leitner Creek and other regional discharge points.

The project’s environmental scope includes:

• Flood Relief: Targeting isolated areas that experience frequent roadway overtopping.

• Drainage Conveyance: Installing a new stormwater route on the south side of the street to bypass historical “choke points” at I-75.

• Paved Ditch Systems: Preserving and enhancing dual ditch capacities through specialized retaining walls.

Project Funding and Development Timeline

This infrastructure overhaul is made possible through a $16.8 million grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant — Mitigation funds. These funds were secured via FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The development is expected to take approximately 19 months to complete once construction begins. For residents and real estate professionals, the East Terry St. Project represents a proactive step in future-proofing Bonita Springs, ensuring the city remains a resilient and accessible destination for years to come.