Albuquerque adventurers, rejoice – one day soon, there may be a new way to explore and experience our downtown area.
A proposed Rail Trail would offer a multi-modal path for bikes and pedestrians that follows Albuquerque rail lines to connect the Rail Yards and central Downtown. Plans also contemplate sky bridges and improved crossings to make it easier for pedestrians to cross Tijeras Avenue and Central Avenue, connect pedestrians to parking, and make undeveloped land in the area more appealing. And when it’s all said and done, the Chamber’s hoping to see an 8-mile loop that connects the Railyards, the downtown convention and business district, Old Town, our city’s bio park facilities, and the beautiful bosque along the river.Â
The project has recently risen to the top of City priorities, and with federal infrastructure funding available, there may finally be a will and a way.
The Chamber Joins in the Action
The GACC fully supports the Rail Trail project: it’s so much more than a manicured foot and bike path to give Burqueños another way of getting from Point A to Point B. This project could be a catalyst for Downtown economic development. In creating a unique amenity that physically connects diverse Downtown areas, it would draw more residents and visitors alike, and restaurants and retailers would likely soon follow. The Rail Trail has the potential to transform and revitalize our Downtown with foot traffic.
The GACC recently submitted letters supporting requests for federal funding for the Rail Trail and the Springer Square skybridge, an important part of the Rail Trail that would connect Downtown proper to other parts of the city. This initial funding would create a critical central corridor to connect the Rail Yards and central Downtown, but we shouldn’t stop there. As mentioned, for this project to be truly transformational for our community, we hope to see it grow to become an eight-mile loop that connects even more parts of the city.
How You Can Get Involved
Read this news article for more information, or join in the conversation – today at 5:00, the City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency will hold an important meeting at the Rail Yards to discuss project goals and preliminary concepts, and take comments and ideas from community members.
