Dumbarton Rail Corridor Archive

The Dumbarton Rail Corridor is an historic bridge and rail line across the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay, once linking the Peninsula region to the lower East Bay. This resource portal, created by SJSU students Joe Romani and Chris Hazel (both MUP 2023) with support from the Institute for Metropolitan Studies and the Mineta Transportation Institute, documents the history of the rail corridor and regional efforts to restore passenger service over the past 30 years. It collects in one place for the first time a wealth of information on the stakeholders involved, the permits required, and the implications of the project for Bay Area residents, the environment, and the economy.

Old postcard of first train to cross the bridge

History

Follow the path of the Dumbarton Corridor from the creation of the Southern Pacific Railroad to SamTran’s ownership of the line and the re-evaluation of the project as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Western Approach to the Bumbarton Bridge

Stakeholders & Resource Agencies

An annotated list of all interested organizations that can affect the Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project in planning, during construction, or after passenger service begins.

Dumbarton Bridge Operators House

Stages

A breakdown of the different stages of the Dumbarton Rail Corridor project, as defined in the planning authority's 2019 and 2020 meeting notes.  

View of the bridge looking toward the West

Potential Benefits

Explore the benefits of rebuilding the Dumbarton Rail Corridor, including enhanced regional mobility, reduced automobile dependence, cleaner air, and the protection of endangered species.

Section of the bridge

Photographs

A selection of images of the Dumbarton Corridor by photographer Brad Fick and archival bridge fire images from KQED.

Western portion of the bridge

Bibliography & Other Resources

Explore materials instrumental in the production of this website and accompanying report, including primary source documents like the SamTrans 2019 and 2020 meeting notes, and reference materials such as Joe Romani's full 2023 report and a list of works cited.