City Seeks Feedback on Trestle

The city has released a new report for the trestle rehabilitation project that seeks to restore the downtown portion of the former Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad.

Previously city engineers wanted to rebuild the walkway and trestle from new materials, saying that about half of the beams were decayed. But critics argued that this would take away from the historic quality of the project and no longer make it eligible for preservation grants.

Under the new plan, the supporting beams of the trestle would be repaired and educational features (similar to those at Shollenberger Park) installed along a pedestrian walkway.

The cost for the estimated 500 foot-long project has been estimated at $4 million, which the city hopes to receive either through a matching grant from the Coastal Conservancy, others grants, fundraising or some combination of the three.

Built in 1904, the tracks were key in transporting cattle, eggs and other local products from Sonoma County to San Francisco and the world beyond.

The full report can be read here or obtained at the City Clerk’s office.

On June 26, the Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee will meet to discuss the report and their findings presented to council on July 16.

Residents are asked to submit any comments on the project by July 12, to Diane Ramirez at by emailing dramirez@ci.petaluma.ca.us