Construction is progressing on The Rail Trail, a seven-mile multi-use path in Albuquerque intended to connect Downtown and Old Town. The project has received consistent backing from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC).
The city is currently advancing two segments of the trail, with one located in the Sawmill District and another at Central Avenue and First Street. City officials hope that the completed trail will encourage recreation and could serve as an attraction for tourists.
Terry Brunner, director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, said there is momentum behind building the trail. He noted work underway on an overpass bridge at Central and First Street, while a phase near Bellamah Avenue and 19th Street in Old Town has already been finished.
“So this is about a quarter-mile section that connects 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,” Brunner said.
Terri Cole, GACC president and CEO, stated that 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.”
In addition to its support for The Rail Trail, GACC has advocated for economic initiatives downtown such as creating a Business Improvement District (BID) as well as establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.
