On June 16, the city of Albuquerque began construction on the Downtown Central Avenue bridge crossing.
It includes the creation of a pedestrian and bike ramp that is part of the city’s new Rail Trail and a 7-mile walking and biking trail that will connect Downtown, Old Town, the Sawmill District, the Rail Yards and the bosque.
“The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is delighted to see construction starting on the Rail Trail project in Downtown Albuquerque,” said Doug Majewski, Hartman + Majewski Design Group CEO and the Chamber’s Downtown Bold Issues Group chair. “As a critical connector, most people cannot visualize the positive impact that the Rail Trail will have to the continuing transformation of our Downtown. We have seen how this type of project has positively impacted downtown communities across our county. We look forward to its completion. “
According to the city, construction is slated to be finished in 10 months.
With the construction comes some road closures in the area. According to the city’s Transit Department:
- Drivers cannot go south onto First Street from either direction on Central.
- The southeast corner of Central and First will be closed to pedestrians.
- The Albuquerque Rapid Transit platform will still be accessed on First between Central and Gold Avenue.
- The Alvarado Transportation Center can be accessed by entering on First and Gold.
The Albuquerque Rail Trail has been a longtime goal of the Chamber.
Terri Cole, GACC president and CEO, says the Rail Trail “supports the mission of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, which is to work with government, business and community partners to promote and develop a welcoming business environment and thriving diverse economy to make our city and state a great place to start and grow a business and a safe and exciting place to work and raise a family.
“For years the Chamber has been a vocal supporter of the proposed 7-mile, heart-shaped urban trail that will allow residents and visitors to walk or bike from the historic Rail Yards to Downtown proper, to Old Town and the Sawmill District, to our museums and BioPark and the beautiful Rio Grande bosque. It is great to see the project phases continue to break ground and the trail become a reality.”