Media Release: SMART Board awards construction contract to build the Healdsburg rail extension

Petaluma, CA —The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) is excited to announce the SMART Board of Directors awarded the construction contract for the long-anticipated extension of the SMART rail line to Healdsburg. With this project passenger rail service returns to Healdsburg for the first time in decades and brings SMART one big step closer to completing the voter-approved rail and pathway system that will stretch from Larkspur to Cloverdale.

The Healdsburg Extension will be delivered through a phased contracting process starting with the Phase One award in the amount of $21.7 million. SMART has secured $269 million in federal, state, regional and local transportation grant funds to complete work from Windsor through to the northern city limit of Healdsburg, covering nearly 9 miles. This major funding commitment reflects strong regional, state, and federal support for completing the SMART system and expanding sustainable transportation options in the North Bay.

The Board approved a contract with Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog, A Joint Venture, to deliver the Healdsburg Extension through a Progressive Design-Build approach, which integrates design and construction to accelerate delivery. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and is anticipated to be complete by late 2028. The contract includes options to continue work north of Healdsburg if additional grant funds are secured.

The Healdsburg Extension is an investment in sustainable transportation. The project will construct nine miles of new track from Windsor to Healdsburg and deliver a new SMART station in the heart of Healdsburg, reconnecting the city to regional rail service for the first time in decades. It will also extend the SMART multiuse pathway alongside the rail corridor, creating a safe and seamless link for people walking and bicycling. In addition, the project includes critical safety and infrastructure upgrades, such as improved grade crossings, the replacement and rehabilitation of aging bridges, and the installation of modern train control, signaling, and communications systems.

Together, these improvements will transform how people move throughout the North Bay, reducing congestion on Highway 101, improving access to jobs and services, and provide residents and visitors an eco-friendly and reliable way to travel.

“SMART has been steadily working toward completing the northern extensions of our rail system, and this milestone shows how far that commitment has taken us,” said SMART Board of Directors Chair Chris Coursey. “We have built real momentum, and moving into construction on the Healdsburg extension brings us another step closer to delivering the full vision of the SMART system for our communities.”

A boost for tourism and local economies

The arrival of passenger rail in Healdsburg will unlock new opportunities for tourism and regional economic growth. Visitors from across the Bay Area will be able to reach Healdsburg without a car, arriving directly by train. The new station will be within walking distance of world-class restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and lodging, creating a seamless travel experience for visitors and new customers for local businesses.

As Dan Elshire, Stacy Witbeck/Herzog Project Sponsor, puts it, “The years SMART has spent thoughtfully planning and securing public funding will leave a lasting legacy, boosting tourism, providing Healdsburg’s workforce with reliable commutes, expanding access to recreational spots, and opening doors for future freight service. We’ve already rolled up our sleeves on this one — our team is local, our resources are in place, and we just want to help get this built right.”

The SMART Pathway will allow for exploration of the region by bike or on foot, encouraging longer visits and low-impact tourism. The Healdsburg Extension will make it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy Sonoma County’s wine country sustainably — while helping businesses thrive.

Fulfilling the vision voters approved

Connecting Healdsburg is a pivotal step toward fulfilling the voter-approved vision of one seamless rail and pathway network that links communities across Marin and Sonoma counties.

“The SMART Train won’t be stopped! SMART is moving with speed to connect Windsor to Healdsburg - and with additional state funding now secured - planning will soon kick off focused on expanded service to Geyserville and Cloverdale. Connecting Northern Sonoma County is no longer just talk, it’s becoming reality. Big thanks to the voters for their continued support of the SMART system,” said Senate Leader Mike McGuire.

SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins emphasized the extraordinary effort that has brought the project to this point. “This project has involved a great deal of coordination and planning, and reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire SMART team. I want to sincerely thank our staff for their tireless work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to delivering the northern extensions. Their determination has been the driving force behind our progress, and I could not be more proud of the team that is bringing passenger rail service to Healdsburg.”

SMART is increasingly a popular way to travel in the North Bay

SMART’s expansion comes during a period of unprecedented growth in ridership and pathway use. SMART is one of the few rail systems in the nation to exceed pre-pandemic ridership, carrying more than 1.1 million passengers in FY25 — 32% higher than FY24 and nearly 50% above 2019 levels.

Students and bicyclists are a major part of this growth, with 26% of riders under the age of 18 and 13% of riders bringing bikes aboard, totaling nearly 150,000 bicycles in FY25. At the same time, use of the SMART Pathway, a part of the Great Redwood Trail, has surged, with over 1 million trips counted in FY25, a 39% increase from the previous year. With the new Windsor-to-Healdsburg segment on the way, this momentum is expected to continue, giving residents and visitors even more options to travel safely and sustainably without a car.

“This marks a major step forward in restoring passenger rail service to Healdsburg,” said SMART Board Member and Healdsburg City Councilmember Ariel Kelley. “This investment will create immediate economic benefits through local jobs and contracting opportunities, while supporting the long-term vitality of our community. Passenger rail service will connect Healdsburg with communities across Sonoma and Marin counties and into San Francisco, providing residents, visitors, and businesses with new opportunities to thrive and helping build a more sustainable future for our region.”

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