ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A project to create a seven-mile multi-use trail connecting downtown Albuquerque and Old Town is getting closer to opening. The Rail Trail project has been in the works for over a decade, and now parts of that trail are in their final stages.
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The city is currently working on two segments of the Rail Trail, one in the Sawmill District and one at Central Ave. and First St. The city said they’re hoping this network of developments will be used for recreation and even become a tourist attraction. “We want people to experience it and say this is something we want to finish, we want to see this trail get built,” said Terry Brunner, Director for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.
At the corner of Bellamah Ave. and 19th St. in the Sawmill District, the city is finishing one of the first segments of the Rail Trail project, a seven-mile multi-use trail designed to connect Old Town, downtown Albuquerque, and the Bosque. “So this is about a quarter-mile section that’s connecting the Sawmill Market area with Old Town. It’s our first actual trail piece, and it will soon connect to Wells Park on one end and over to the Bosque Trail on the other end,” said Terry Brunner.
The city has invested about $4.8 million in the section. They’ve recently poured concrete, added solar-powered lighting, bike racks, and benches. They’re also recycling parts of the old railing system into the sidewalks to preserve the rail system’s history. Another part of this trail construction will include adding a roundabout near the museums at Mountain and 19th to improve traffic flow.
Meanwhile, the second segment currently under construction is at the central crossing on First St. The city is currently demolishing part of the overpass and pouring concrete to build a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly path across the railroad tracks. Finishing touches are also being made to the interactive “Neon Tumbleweed” art piece that will light up at night.
“It’s going to be a great tourist attraction, provide those Instagrammable moments, sitting on top of Central Ave., you can see the volcanoes to the West and the Sandias to the East,” said Brunner.
The city says this $10 million dollar piece of the project will serve as a way to connect east and central downtown.
“We want it to really re-invigorate these downtown neighborhoods and give them something to be proud of and something that our entire city is proud of,” said Brunner.
The city said the rail trail segment in the Sawmill District is expected to be finished in October, while the Central Ave. crossing should be done in spring 2026. The entire seven-mile rail trail is estimated to cost $70 million and will be funded in segments. The city said they’re currently designing the next trail piece, which would be in front of the ABQ BioPark and the bosque, along with streets in Old Town.
