SMART seems to be making good on its promise to bring the commuter rail line north to Healdsburg in the foreseeable future, possibly by late 2028. That projection is bolstered by the opening of the Windsor train station over the weekend.
The final regulatory hurdle was crossed late last week, permitting the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit system to begin regular operations. Trains began running on Saturday, and after a weekend of working out the kinks full weekday service began Monday morning.
The train station is built in a former depot, in service between 1900 and 1958 as a Northwestern Pacific rail station and then as a bus terminal. It has since been considerably updated and expanded to serve as a commercial arcade and home to the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. It is, as the rail transit company points out, “just steps from the Windsor Town Green… making it easier than ever to enjoy Windsor’s shops, restaurants, and events by train.”
The Town of Windsor is requesting Federal Railroad Administration approval to implement “quiet zones” as the trains approach the station. Routine train horn use at designated crossings will be eliminated between Shiloh Road and the station, except in emergency or safety-critical situations. The hope is that the quiet zones will become effective as early as mid-July, though it will possibly be somewhat later.
“The opening of the Windsor station sets the stage for the next phase of SMART’s expansion, which will extend passenger rail service to Healdsburg, followed by Cloverdale, completing the original vision for the SMART system,” said the rail service in a press release.
“The stations in Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale have always been part of the planned network, and the SMART Board of Directors is proud to move forward on these long-envisioned connections.”
The extension of SMART to Healdsburg is currently in the design phase, but is projected to be completed late in 2028. The extension involves designing and rebuilding the Healdsburg Rail Bridge over the Russian River, which will include a pedestrian path linking the SMART Pathway coming from the south with the Foss Creek Pathway that runs north through Healdsburg.
The project is 65% funded, with $106 million secured out of the estimated $160.5 million. SMART train management is working to secure funding through a proposed regional sales tax measure that may be on the 2026 ballot.
There will be a Grand Opening ceremony for the Windsor SMART station on Friday, June 13, starting at 1:45pm. For information see sonomamarintrain.org/windsor.
LOL! SMART always wants more money. To get to Healdsburg, the SMART train has to cross the Russian River. That means rebuilding the RR bridge just north of the 1927 road truss bridge (a dangerous, narrow, antique that won’t accommodate buses).
The SMART train will be in Hburg when many of us will be taking our dirt naps.