GHD Tapped to Lead Design, Engineering for SMART’s Healdsburg Extension

GHD

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - GHD was selected to lead design and engineering efforts for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District's (SMART) Healdsburg Extension.

The project includes nine miles of new track from Windsor to Healdsburg and enhances mobility by offering passengers access throughout the North Bay, reducing congestion along Highway 101. Crews will work to expand part of a rail-to-trail corridor that links San Francisco and Humboldt Bays. As part of the project, crews will make upgrades to bridges and grade crossings while also installing modern train control, signaling, and communications systems. GHD will join SMART, the City of Healdsburg, the Town of Windsor, and Sonoma County on the project.

For the Healdsburg Extension, the Design-Build project is led by Stacy Witbeck/Herzog, a Joint Venture, with GHD serving as lead designer. GHD will be supported by a team of Stantec, Cinquini & Passarino, RailPros, PARIKH, and RSE, according to the release. Additionally, Modern Railway Systems (MRS) will lead the signaling and communications with support from Pacific Railway Enterprises. Construction is slated to start in 2026 and run through late 2028.

GHD US Transportation Lead Bill Silva said, “This project underscores GHD’s commitment to resilient infrastructure and community connectivity. . . The Healdsburg Extension is more than a transportation project – it’s a commitment to strengthening local connections, supporting vibrant communities and creating lasting benefits for future generations.”

According to the release, GHD has already worked in delivering SMART’s Initial Operating Segment that includes the Larkspur and Windsor extensions. Recently, GHD also provided engineering services for the Healdsburg Avenue Bridge rehabilitation.