Launched in 2017, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit’s (SMART) rail service provides a reliable, fuel-efficient alternative for commuters along the US 101 corridor in San Francisco’s rapidly growing North Bay area. STV served as the lead designer for the 42-mile initial operating segment between San Rafael and Santa Rosa, CA, as part of the design-build team led by the Stacy & Witbeck/Herzog joint venture team.

The project required the reconstruction of track along the Northwestern Pacific freight railroad and entailed the repair, rehabilitation, or full replacement of 25 bridges, upgrades to over 40 grade crossings, addition of several passing sidings and the installation of eight new passenger platforms. The firm provided design for the 211-foot Upper Petaluma River Bridge that replaced a 100-year-old timber bridge with a steel and concrete, seven-span structure that was constructed in 10 days to minimize the disruption to the freight rail line.