Preparations for SMART expansion to Healdsburg set to begin

Preparations for SMART expansion to Healdsburg set to begin

By John Ramos In the North Bay, the SMART commuter rail line will begin work next week to extend service to the city of Healdsburg, with plenty of challenges, both in construction and in finding long-term funding. As the largest city north of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg is generating considerable excitement among those who await SMART’s arrival. But first there’s a lot of work to do, starting next week. “It starts with a topographical survey,” said S…

SMART Moves Toward Healdsburg with Bridge and Rail Upgrades

Construction is ramping up on the $269 million SMART rail extension to Healdsburg, with crews now conducting deep soil boring to design seven new bridges. According to the Press Democrat, Chief Engineer Bill Gamlen says a highlight of the project is a massive new span over the Russian River that will support both trains and a pedestrian-bicycle pathway. While existing rail banks remain stable, technicians are drilling up to 60 feet deep near wat…