The latest construction updates on SMART projects can be found on this page.

For questions regarding construction activities, please contact Allison Mattioli, Communications and Marketing Specialist at amattioli@sonomamarintrain.org.

To sign up to receive periodic email updates on construction activities for specific SMART projects, please click the link(s) below:

Windsor station

During April, Systems Testing will be conducted

Beginning on Saturday, April 5, and continuing throughout April, test trains will operate 7 days a week between the Sonoma County Airport station and the Windsor station from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During testing, trains will sound their horns intermittently, as required by federal safety regulations. Grade crossing warning systems, such as lights, gates, and bells will be operated during the Systems Testing period.

Systems Testing is done to evaluate the safe operation of warning devices, train control system, and proper speed enforcement throughout the railway extension to Windsor.

During the Systems Testing period, the Sonoma County Airport station will be temporarily closed on weekends in April. All other SMART stations will remain open.

During May, Simulated Service will be conducted

Beginning in early May, SMART will operate trains to simulate the frequency of the passenger service train schedule. During this period trains will operate without passengers.

Simulated Service is done to familiarize train engineers with the new territory and to test the train control systems under full-frequency operation.

During Simulated Service trains will operate at a frequency of 44 trips per day. The hours of simulated service are 4:00 AM and 10:30 PM on weekdays, and 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM on weekends

Until the Town of Windsor establishes a Quiet Zone, train horns will be sounded at Shiloh Road, Mitchell Lane, the Windsor roundabout, and the Windsor station access crossing.

Track scrubbing

Track scrubbing, a maintenance process that cleans the railroad tracks, will begin in March to prepare the tracks for train service. This work will take place from approximately 4 p.m. to midnight and will require multiple passes along the railway.

Starting in April, track scrubbing will occur overnight as part of routine maintenance along the entire rail line, from approximately 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Additional cleaning may occur as needed based on track conditions and environmental factors affecting the railway. During this process, you may notice vehicle lights and hear grinding sounds.

Use of train horns and Quiet Zone

The Town of Windsor is in the process of applying to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to establish a Quiet Zone. Once approved and implemented, routine train horn use at designated crossings will be eliminated, except in emergency or safety-critical situations.

During systems testing and until a Quiet Zone is established, the Federal Railroad Administration requires SMART's engineers to use the train horn when approaching grade crossings. As a result, train horns will be heard from Shiloh Road to the Windsor station.

We understand that this may cause temporary noise disruptions and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to ensure a safe and successful start of service.

For additional information on the systems testing and temporary closure of the Sonoma County Airport station, please visit sonomamarintrain.org/systemclosure.

The most recent constructions updates on the Windsor station can be found below:

Petaluma North station

The Petaluma North station opened on Friday, January 10, 2025.

The pathway is still under construction, and is not yet open for use. Technical issues with traffic signal equipment at some pathway street crossings have delayed the opening of the newest pathway segments. We are working closely with our partners including the contractor, equipment manufacturer, and County of Sonoma to resolve the issue and look forward to opening the pathway segments as soon as they are ready to be safely enjoyed.

The community walk/ride that was planned for Sunday, April 27 to celebrate the opening has been postoned. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm, support, and patience, and we’ll announce a new date for the celebration just as soon as the pathways are ready to safely welcome everyone. Click here for more details.

The most recent constructions updates on the Petaluma station can be found below:

Healdsburg station

A Request for Qualifications for design and construction of the Healdsburg Extension was released in March 2025. The project is anticipated to be awarded in the Fall of 2025, with completion of the extension expected in 2028.

Construction and Maintenance Updates