.
Feedback

Petaluma Portion of Rail Work to Start This Month

Since July, SMART has put down 11 miles of track, rebuilt more than a dozen of crossings and repaired numerous bridges.

Since July, workers have put down 11 miles of new track, replaced or repaired six bridges and rebuilt 18 crossings as part of the North Bay's commuter rail project.

This month, work on the Petaluma portion of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit finally starts and is expected to continue until mid-December.

“We’re on track and on budget,” said Matt Stevens, a spokesman for the agency.

When the work begins in Petaluma (likely after Nov. 15), crews will be working 10 hours a day, five or six days a week, Stevens said. For the first time during SMART construction, construction will have to accommodate ongoing freight train operations, meaning crews to work on shorter lengths of track.

Simultaneous with the track work, street crossing improvements will continue, with D Street next on the list (no date has yet been set for the work.) 

Because of dust and noise created during the improvement, SMART is urging all residents to stay away from the work site. They are also reminding property owners along the railroad right-of-way to make sure that their fences are in good condition to prevent pets from getting loose into the construction site. 

For any construction issues, contact SMART at 855-312-7444. 

Dave Alden contributed reporting.

Goofpod November 2, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Love the new crossings. At last, a non-bumpy stretch of road in Petaluma.
Patch, review your first paragraph. Hire me as a proofreader. :)
Judith Clisbee November 2, 2012 at 01:10 pm
Has anyone given any consideration to how this construction is impacting the people and businesses in Petaluma? East Washington is a mess. Try Pet. Blvd. Try B St. I will do my shopping online and have my prescriptions delivered by mail. Happy Holidays. Ever think of coordinating some of these projects. If you get sick call an ambulance.
Don Lewis November 2, 2012 at 01:38 pm
I'm with Judith.....the constant construction in Petaluma is a complete pain. I can't see how EVERY major bit of construction was approved for the exact same time plus, the wet weather will slow it down. It feels like we're in an endless construction cycle and the Friedman Bros mini-mall hasn't even broken ground yet.
Karina Ioffee (Editor) November 2, 2012 at 02:27 pm
Thanks, Goofpod. And yes, when we get more money, you're definitely at the top of the list for proofreader!
Goofpod November 2, 2012 at 03:02 pm
Unrelated construction projects to SMART. Inconvenient, for sure, but I'll bet the end results will be nice.
But, I can't believe they're rebuilding the crosswalks downtown for the pending, infamous road diet. Talk about fixing something that isn't broken! Tax dollars at work!
chanda hartt November 2, 2012 at 03:19 pm
We're not alone. Every city (outside Petaluma) I've been to in the bay the last month is doing reconstruction.
TRUST NOT BIG BANKS November 2, 2012 at 06:04 pm
Don't complain folks as it will all be nice when completed! Just a little pain for the gain!
Steve K November 3, 2012 at 01:29 am
First you complain about potholes then you complain about improvements!!
Get a life or move to a thrid world country.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Petaluma Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Betty Harrison June 18, 2013 at 11:56 am
We have failed our kids who are now in their 20s. The jobs they should have are not there and no oneRead More seems to care. What you are seeing is the underground economy, which is how they survive. No, it's not good, but it is how they are surviving. Talk to your Congressional representatives! They want real jobs and real lives!
You are fun!
Drew Himmelstein (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 06:32 pm
Looks like some fun kids AND a fun dad!
FREE Family Fun in the Theatre District
Bookworm June 7, 2013 at 08:46 am
I think that showing The Hunger Games in this venue is a mistake. These outdoor family film showingsRead More do attract families, and frequently families with younger children. It would be close to child abuse to permit a younger child to watch this movie. Not so sure it would be a good idea for teens either. I believe that this choice was not well thought out. I hope it can be changed to something that would be beneficial for all ages to see. For example, I recommend a film called "Like Stars on Earth" directed by Aamir Khan. A very moving and thoughtful film.