SMART Train Awarded $81M To Complete Northern Extension To Healdsburg

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District has been awarded $81 million from the California State Transportation Agency to extend passenger rail service to communities in northern Sonoma County, SMART announced Friday.

The funding comes from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program —TIRCP— and is matched by $188 million in other secured and pending federal, state, regional and local funds.

With two additional grant decisions pending in June 2025, SMART said, it will bring rail service and a pedestrian and bicycle pathway from Windsor north through Healdsburg to the northern Healdsburg city limits, addressing crucial transportation needs in the region.

"The SMART Train is heading north, and will soon be pulling into Healdsburg! This is such a huge victory for the residents of northern Sonoma County and builds off the State’s $40 million investment that is now being utilized to connect the Sonoma County Airport with the Town of Windsor," said California state Senate President Pro-Tem Mike McGuire, who represents the North Coast.

Specifically, the $81 million reconstructs two rail segments: a 5.5-mile stretch from Windsor to Healdsburg Depot and a 3.3-mile section to the Healdsburg city limits. It also funds new rail tracks, upgraded stations, freight spurs, improved crossings and federally mandated Positive Train Control, or PTC. The funds are also for the extension of SMART's paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway, following the standards of the Great Redwood Trail.

"I’m grateful to North Bay voters for authorizing the SMART Train, Governor Newsom, the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, our federal partners, and the dynamic SMART Board of Directors, who are always putting in the hard work to keep the trains running on time," McGuire said. "We can’t wait to get the shovels in the ground and move SMART full steam ahead into Healdsburg!”

Eric Lucan, chair of the SMART Board of Directors, said the $81 million award brings the agency "closer than ever" to fulfilling voters' vision when they approved the SMART rail and pathway project.

"Extending rail service into our northern communities of Healdsburg and the Alexander Valley will connect people to jobs and opportunity," Lucan said. "We look forward to delivering this critical project by 2028, thanks to the steadfast support of our funding partners."

The project, led by SMART in collaboration with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority - Regional Climate Protection Authority and Caltrans, will significantly increase transit options for the North Bay’s residents and visitors. The extension will provide a sustainable alternative to car travel by expanding passenger rail service and supporting active transportation through the new paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway. The new rail infrastructure will also support short-line freight services, enhancing the region's overall connectivity.

The project will also help expand broadband capacity in the region.

"Growing up in Japan, I rode trains everywhere as a kid and I’m thrilled our neighbors in Healdsburg will soon experience the much-needed connectivity SMART offers," said Healdsburg Mayor David Hagele. "SMART will provide our families access to opportunity and visitors a chance to experience all that we love about Healdsburg. This investment in SMART’s northern extension and the completion of the Foss Creek Pathway reflects our commitment to connecting our neighbors and improving our quality of life. By expanding access to safe and efficient rail and pathway options, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a healthier and more connected future."

Extension Of Bicycle And Pedestrian Pathway

SMART’s northern extension completes critical segments of the SMART Pathway, also known as the Foss Creek Pathway within the city of Healdsburg and the Great Redwood Trail. This non-motorized paved pathway connects segments of the pathway opening soon as part of the SMART Windsor extension to the completed Foss Creek Pathway in Healdsburg.

The addition provides a safe, non-motorized travel option for cyclists and pedestrians, offering an alternative to car travel and enhancing connectivity to northern communities. The SMART Pathway/Great Redwood Trail is an important part of the region's active transportation network, linking people to key destinations and supporting sustainable, healthy modes of travel, the agency said.

"Expanding SMART to northern Sonoma County is a transformative step for our entire region, which is why the project is being incorporated into Plan Bay Area 2050," said Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt, who also serves as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments’ Executive Board and the SMART Board of Directors.

"Adding Healdsburg to the SMART network builds on investments already made in the system and will help SMART’s ridership reach new heights," Rabbitt said. "SMART’s success is a critical piece towards creating a region where people will have real choices to be able to live, work, and recreate with climate-friendly transportation choices like rail and biking. This project reflects a collaborative effort across state, regional, and local partners, and we’re grateful to everyone who has made this progress possible."

SMART's northern extension will reduce traffic congestion on major roads like Highway 101, foster economic growth through transit-oriented development and improve access to jobs, education and healthcare, the agency said. Further, it aligns with the region’s environmental goals by offering a low-emission travel option and bolstering resilience through expanded broadband access for public use and emergency response.

"This award exemplifies what multi-agency collaboration can achieve for our region’s future," said Melanie Bagby, vice chair of the SMART and SCTA boards of directors. "Together, we are enhancing mobility in Sonoma County with a transportation network that aligns with our sustainability and resiliency goals. This award also demonstrates commitment to complete the voter-approved system. Expanded rail and pathway options will offer seamless, eco-friendly connections, reduce road congestion, and promote healthier travel choices—making a lasting impact on the quality of life and environment in the North Bay."

Next Steps

The date of October 23, 2024, also marked a significant milestone with the MTC amending the SMART Healdsburg Extension into the regional transportation plan, Plan Bay Area 2050. Inclusion in the plan means the state will now consider two remaining pending grant applications for the project by June 2025 to match Friday's TIRCP award.

While work has continued to secure the pending funding, SMART started acquiring contractor services last month. The project delivery process begins in earnest in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2028.

According to SMART, the extension represents a true community partnership effort. It is a significant step forward in providing efficient, safe and sustainable transportation solutions for Sonoma County and the North Bay.

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