MARIN, Calif. (KCBS) -- In the North Bay repair work is preceding along on a rail line that runs through Marin and Sonoma counties. Freight trains are set to return to the region early next year.
Freight trains haven't rolled on the old North Western Pacific tracks since 2001 when major storm damage and years of delayed maintenance made the tracks unsafe for train traffic.
Mitch Stogner, the executive director of the North Coast Railroad Authority, says the 62 miles of track between Napa County and Windsor in Sonoma County are being readied for the return of freight service early next year.
KCBS' Larry Chiaroni Reports
Stogner says the railroad is wrapping up about $50 million in state funded repair work before reopening the southern end of the line to train traffic again.
Trains are a green alternative, Stogner said.
"One rail car takes four trucks off Highway 101. One gallon of diesel can move a train over 400 miles," Stogner said. "Trains are good for the economy, good for the environment and good in terms of energy efficiency."
Stogner says freight trains will be sharing the tracks with SMART commuter trains in a few years when the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit trains are expected to begin service between Cloverdale and Larkspur.
(ewi)
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