There is good news for ferry buffs and supporters of a North Bay Ferry Terminal at Port Sonoma ... where both the Northwestern Pacific Railroad and Highway 37 cross the mouth of the Petaluma River ... and where there is a federally maintained ship channel leading to deep water in the Bay.
Published: January, 2001
There is good news for ferry buffs and supporters of a North Bay Ferry Terminal at Port Sonoma ... where both the Northwestern Pacific Railroad and Highway 37 cross the mouth of the Petaluma River ... and where there is a federally maintained ship channel leading to deep water in the Bay.
The California Transportation Commission has awarded $15.6 million of a total of $60 million authorized by the California legislature to repay debts and restore tracks of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad’s 317-mile route from Napa County through Port Sonoma, Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Willits, and the Port of Eureka to its final destination at the lumber town of Arcata. The North Coast Railroad Authority, which manages the railroad, hopes to have freight service restored from Napa to Arcata by the end of next year.
On the other hand, there are no plans to restore the railroad southward from Novato to San Rafael and Larkspur Landing. That railroad line is no longer under the same jurisdiction.
But, for those waiting at the dock at Port Sonoma for their ferry to come in the news is good, since the restored railroad running right through the proposed ferry terminal site could provide passenger service for commuters form Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and points north to the proposed Port Sonoma ferry terminal. It’s time for supporters of Port Sonoma ferry service to make their voices heard. With a bit of effort, Port Sonoma could become the site for a new North Bay Ferry Terminal!
