SMART gets $7 million for new pathway segment

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has been awarded a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. 

The funding will support the completion of a vital segment of the SMART Pathway, a Class I multiuse facility that enhances mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Sonoma and Marin counties.

The grant will fund the completion of the SMART Pathway segment from Santa Rosa to the Sonoma County Airport, closing a 4.73-mile gap in the pathway network. Construction of this pathway segment completes 21 miles of the Class I multiuse pathway connecting communities from the Town of Windsor to the City of Petaluma.

The SMART Pathway is the southern portion of the Great Redwood Trail, which provides first and last-mile connections to SMART stations and offers a safe way to travel along the rail corridor, particularly in areas where the SMART Pathway is the shortest path of travel between communities. The pathway allows cyclists of all abilities to make local trips or longer journeys by bicycle or by bicycle in combination with the train.

In the past year, over 784,200 pedestrian and bicycle trips were completed utilizing the pathway to access the train, for recreation, commuting to work and school, and for trip purposes of all types. Over 28 miles of SMART pathway have been completed for residents to utilize, and 9.5 miles are currently under construction.

Project Features:

• Increased Connectivity: The new segment will allow people to travel seamlessly between communities and SMART rail stations, providing an important link for commuters, students, and recreational users alike.
• Access to Opportunity: By providing a high-quality, protected route for walking and biking, the pathway will enhance access to jobs, schools, transit, and recreational opportunities, and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
• Class I Multiuse Pathway: As a Class I facility, the pathway is completely separated from motor vehicle traffic, offering a dedicated space for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel safely and efficiently across the region.