California has awarded $81 million to expand SMART rail service into northern Sonoma County, enhancing green mobility and regional access through Healdsburg by 2028. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

California has awarded $81 million to expand SMART rail service into northern Sonoma County, enhancing green mobility and regional access through Healdsburg by 2028
Photo – Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District

The funding comes from the Solutions for Congested Corridors and Local Partnership Competitive programs. It will be matched by $187.7 million in additional federal, state, and local sources.

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This combined $268.7 million investment supports the rail extension from Windsor Station north to Healdsburg’s city limits. The route includes a multi-use pathway for cyclists and pedestrians.

California also allocated $6 million for a new zero-emission locomotive, advancing SMART’s commitment to cleaner and more efficient rail service in the North Bay region.

California Funds SMART Rail to Healdsburg and Beyond

The project will connect key communities in California, improving access to jobs and fostering economic development tied to tourism in the Alexander Valley and Healdsburg.

SMART Board Chair Chris Coursey noted the success of Windsor Station and emphasized how this new expansion builds on that momentum to create broader regional benefits.

He stated on June 6 that extending SMART will help reduce traffic congestion and expand employment opportunities across Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area.

California Supports Green Infrastructure with Rail Investment

Officials see this expansion as a model for sustainable infrastructure. It blends low-emission transit with pedestrian access, which aligns with California’s climate goals.

Construction is scheduled for completion by 2028, with strong support from regional, state, and federal partners already secured to ensure timely delivery.

With California backing this initiative, SMART is poised to transform rail transit in the region while supporting economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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