If you live in or around Healdsburg, the expansion of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) system is a major infrastructure update to track. The SMART train Healdsburg extension will add roughly nine miles of track northward from Windsor, bringing regional passenger rail and a new multi-use pathway directly into town.
With passenger service slated to begin by late 2028, here is a straightforward breakdown of the project’s status, the station’s location, and how having the SMART train in Healdsburg will impact daily life for residents.
Does the smart train go to Healdsburg?
After a series of public workshops and City Council meetings, the city officially confirmed that the new Healdsburg SMART station will be located at the historic depot site on Hudson Street. This positions the transit hub to serve daily commuters, minimize downtown traffic congestion, and maintain a connection to the town’s rail history.
Project Timeline and Current Status
The project is fully funded, with $269 million secured through a combination of federal, state, regional, and local grants.
Here is the current working timeline:
- Spring 2026 (Current Phase): Initial fieldwork is underway, including geotechnical soil borings and underground utility potholing along the rail right-of-way. Residents may notice heavy equipment and traffic control near Grove Street and Old Redwood Highway.
- Spring 2027: Active, large-scale construction is scheduled to begin.
- Late 2028: Target opening for passenger rail service.
What This Means for Residents
- A New Multi-Use Pathway. The project is not strictly limited to passenger rail. It includes the extension of the SMART multi-use pathway, providing a dedicated, paved route for cyclists and pedestrians. This offers a safe, active transportation alternative that runs alongside the rail corridor.
- The Implementation of “Quiet Zones” A common concern with new rail lines is noise. To address this, the City of Healdsburg, along with Windsor and Sonoma County, is actively working with the Federal Railroad Administration to establish “Quiet Zones.” By upgrading crossings with advanced gates, medians, and warning devices, routine train horn use will be prohibited through northern Healdsburg. Train noise will largely be limited to crossing bells and emergencies.
- Infrastructure and Bridge Upgrades The extension brings critical infrastructure modernization to the area. This includes rehabilitating or replacing aging bridges (such as the proposed rail and pathway crossing at Old Redwood Highway), improving grade crossings, and installing modern safety and signaling systems.
- Regional Connectivity Once operational, the extension connects Healdsburg directly to the broader Bay Area transit network, offering a predictable, schedule-based alternative to Highway 101 traffic for commuters and visitors alike.
Have a Say in the Schedule
Because the service schedule is still in the planning phase, residents currently have an opportunity to influence train times. SMART is actively collecting public feedback via surveys on its website to determine which commuter trips and times of day are most critical for the Healdsburg community.
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