Frequently Asked Questions
Petaluma’s Historic Trestle
What is the Trestle and why is it here?
The trestle was built in 1922 by the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad Company (P&SR) to connect the railroad with the Petaluma River. This enabled regionally produced goods to be shipped to San Francisco and the rest of the world. It is one of the reasons Petaluma became the “Egg Basket of the World”.
Does SMART own it?
It has recently been determined that SMART does not own it. Actual ownership is unknown and currently being investigated by the City of Petaluma.
Is it a part of the Great Petaluma Mill?
The wooden wharf walkway adjacent to the Mill is a separate structure.
Is the Trestle safe? Will it collapse?
Much of the primary structure is stable and sound. however, the decking and the lighter members exposed to constant UV have deteriorated to the point where it is unsafe to walk on. The adjacent docks and waterway are safe.
Is the Trestle the reason why the wharf walkway is now closed?
The Trestle and wharf walkway are separate structures. However, both are in need of repair, and it would be efficient and cost effective to combine the projects.
What value does it have? Why don’t they just tear it down?
This iconic structure not only embodies the historic roots of our community, it provides a tremendous opportunity for economic development in today’s Petaluma. As a public gathering place, event venue, pedestrian and bicycle connection, tourism destination, a source of local pride, and connection to our heritage.
Why don’t they fix it?
The fix is in the works. City Staff has engaged with engineers and public agencies to evaluate options and understand the regulatory context and permitting process. We now have enough information to begin a public “visioning” process to determine how it can best serve the community, before moving into final engineering and construction.
Where will the money to fix it come from?
Construction funding will likely come from various state and federal agencies, grants, and donations. The city has allocated funds for the community visioning process, and to continue the analysis of existing conditions and possibilities, but it is not expected that the city will pay all construction costs. Having a community vision and a defined project will make grant funding more easily attainable.
Is it a “landmark”?
While many consider it to be the “character-defining feature” of Petaluma, and it played a huge role in the prosperity of the regional economy, it has never been formally designated as a “Landmark”. It has been determined that it is likely eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
Does its historic significance mean that we can’t change it?
If the intent were to restore or rehabilitate it, and maintain its historic integrity, the work would need to adhere to federal guidelines. This is one of the options to be considered.
Has it been evaluated structurally?
Yes. Most recently at the beginning of 2025, the timber piles that make up the structure were inventoried and evaluated.
Can it be preserved / restored?
Yes. This is one of the options to be considered during the up-coming public visioning process.
How much will it cost to fix?
This will depend on the community’s vision. In 2013, construction plans were prepared to rehabilitate the structure. At that time, it was estimated to cost about $6 million. In the current economy, it will likely be 2-3 times that amount.
Can’t they just clean it up so it’s not such an eyesore?
Yes, this is also an option to be considered.
Can the Float House operate while work is being done?
Yes, soon the Float House will be moving back to its permanent home on the other side of the turning basin.
Can the Petaluma Yacht Club Docks remain and be repaired?
The City owned dock repair / replacement can be incorporated into the overall project if the community decides it should be.
Would adjacent businesses need to shut while the work is being done?
All adjacent businesses have alternate entrances and could remain open during construction.
Who is in charge?
We, Petalumans are in charge and need to let our city leaders know that it is time to decide what to do, and do it!
Why does it smell bad?
The trestle does not emit odors. However, since the Petaluma River is a brackish slough, low-tide conditions can create an aroma. There is also garbage dumpster enclosure near the north end, which occasionally gets over-filled.
Where do the rats come from?
As with all urban waterfronts, conditions are good for rodent populations to thrive. The trestle itself does not attract or provide unique habitat for rats.
Is it toxic?
The main piers that support the trestle were originally treated with chemicals. While this does not pose a threat, it is understood that the river would be healthier if these could be contained or mitigated. This may provide a funding source or a nexus for action.
Can trains or a trolley run on it?
The tracks that connect the trestle to the railroad mainline have been cut in multiple places over the last 10 years. It is no longer connected to the railroad. However, it could be designed to support a stationary rail vehicle or provide a very short trolley service.
Will this be under water when sea level rises?
Recent flood and sea level mapping projections indicate sea level is not expected to rise to this elevation by the end of this century. However, there is a very low probability that sea level rise, when combined with storm surge and king tides could inundate this structure and parts of the surrounding down town area.
What would the waterfront look like if it were gone?
This historic structure has become an iconic symbol of Petaluma. It is part of our community identity and Petaluma would be very different without it.
Background image rendering prepared by Robert Frank Jan. 2016
Have additional questions? Let us know in the comment section.