Here's Why SMART Will Suspend All Train Service This Weekend

NORTH BAY, CA — At long last, the new Petaluma North station at Corona Road and North McDowell Boulevard is expected to open by the end of this month.

As SMART prepares for the opening, it must suspend service to conduct systemwide tests this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15. In addition to the entire SMART rail line serving Marin and Sonoma counties, all SMART Connect shuttles will also be out of service.

"We regret any inconvenience this closure may cause," SMART officials said. "After careful consideration, we determined that implementing bus bridges would not reliably serve our riders due to lengthy and unpredictable travel times. Temporarily suspending service, with advance notice to riders, is the most efficient and least disruptive approach, allowing us to complete the necessary testing swiftly while minimizing overall service impact."

Planning For Alternate Transportation

SMART suggested using smartphone applications such as the Transit app, Google Maps, or Apple Maps to plan a trip using alternate transit routes. Golden Gate Transit offers bus service connecting Sonoma and Marin counties to San Francisco.

Passengers who need assistance with trip planning can also contact SMART customer service agents between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at 707-794-3330 or via email at customerservice@sonomamarintrain.org.

Train Horns During System Testing

During the testing this weekend, community members in the Petaluma and Penngrove areas may hear SMART intermittently using its horns and bells. Despite Quiet Zone ordinances restricting train horns, the Federal Railroad Administration requires using horns and bells when testing rail systems.

SMART said it will work to minimize noise disruptions while maintaining safety as a top priority for everyone in the area.

Todd Road Temporary Closure

During the temporary system closure, SMART will improve the rail crossing at Todd Road in Santa Rosa. To do so and resurface the roadway, a section of Todd Road will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, until 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.

A detour from Standish Avenue to West Robles Avenue to Moorland Avenue will be in place.

Detour Map