Petaluma Dealing with SMART-Related Traffic Challenges

Novato is keeping an eye on Petaluma as it deals with construction tied to the North Bay's commuter rail line.

Starting Tuesday, Petaluma will close major intersections to allow the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit to upgrade all five railroad crossings.

The first intersection impacted will be Corona Road, scheduled to be closed from next Tuesday to Thursday. After that, it will be the Payran Street crossing and South Point Boulevard the week after. Closure dates are still tentative and will happen throughout September. Click here for up-to-date information about the closures.

But you can expect even bigger traffic delays when the Washington Street crossing — one of the city's busiest intersections — is closed.

“We know it will be an inconvenience and we want to get in, do our work and get out of everyone’s way as soon as possible,” said Keith Tarkalson, project manager for Stacy and Witbeck, the Alameda-based construction firm building the new commuter rail line.

The old wooden crossing will be replaced with smoother concrete panels, according to SMART.

Also next week, work begins on the Petaluma Boulevard "road diet" project that will reduce Petaluma Boulevard between E and Washington from four to two lanes. It is expected to be completed by the end of October in order to not impede holiday shopping at downtown stores.

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