City Celebrates First Completed Segment of the Albuquerque Rail Trail
The Sawmill section opens as a powerful symbol of progress, resilience, and community connection
October 25, 2025
ALBUQUERQUE - Today, Mayor Tim Keller was joined by City leaders, partners, and community members to celebrate the official opening of the Sawmill segment of the Albuquerque Rail Trail, marking the first completed stretch of the transformative 7-mile loop that will one day connect Albuquerque’s core neighborhoods.
“This project represents what Albuquerque does best—working together to build something bigger than ourselves,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The Rail Trail is about connection, creativity, and resilience. Even after losing federal funding, we’re not backing down. We’re fighting to the finish to make this full 7-mile loop a reality, because Albuquerque deserves spaces that unite us and reflect the best of who we are.”
“This is one of the largest, most awe-inspiring, projects the City has ever undertaken,” said Jennifer Turner, Director of Municipal Development. “The railroad once connected all of these neighborhoods, and now the trail will connect us to our neighbors and pave the way for the future.”
The Albuquerque Rail Trail is a visionary urban pathway designed to reconnect communities that were once divided by railroads and roadways, weaving together Downtown, Old Town, the Rail Yards, and the Bosque through art, storytelling, and design. The Sawmill segment—stretching from Bellamah Avenue to Tiguex Park—features artistic archways designed by Antoine Predock Architects, LED surface lighting, benches, bike racks, and overhead lights, setting the standard for what future segments will deliver across the city.
“We are excited to invite the public to experience the first section of the Rail Trail, a ribbon of story weaving Albuquerque’s downtown together, connecting people, neighborhoods, and histories,” said Paul Fehlau, Executive Senior Associate at Antoine Predock Architects. “The Sawmill phase sets the tone with sculptural gateways that reflect the character of each neighborhood through a shared language of weathered steel and light, creating a rhythm of moments that draw walkers, cyclists, and runners along the trail - the journey begins here.”
“We just opened the first stretch of the Rail Trail, and it’s already doing what it was designed to do—bring people and families together,” said Terry Brunner, Director of the City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. “We’ve built momentum here, and we’re not slowing down until the full trail is complete. The Rail Trail embodies the kind of bold, collaborative projects that make Albuquerque thrive.”
Albuquerque’s historic Sawmill District was famously the heart of New Mexico’s logging industry, and home to the largest manufacturing company in the Southwest. The Albuquerque Rail Trail builds on this foundation, turning the old railways into a vibrant corridor that will spark development, provide new housing opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents, visitors, and their families. The project has garnered strong support from community leaders and local residents, who see the Rail Trail as a vital step in revitalizing the city’s urban core.
“The grand opening of the Sawmill section of the ABQ Rail Trail is a huge win and a monumental first step for our community,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “Part of ongoing revitalization of the Sawmill District, we’ve already seen it add local jobs. Beyond the economic benefits, the Rail Trail is about creating and sustaining urban redevelopment, improving vulnerable road user safety, and significantly boosting community walkability. It’s about creating green spaces and a more accessible spaces for everyone. We are so proud to celebrate this moment and want to thank all the incredible partners, local government, developers, and community organizations, who played a vital role in the Sawmill transformation. The success of the Rail Trail proves what we can achieve when we work together."
The Rail Trail was envisioned as a public space that celebrates Albuquerque’s creative spirit, featuring public art, cultural landmarks, and green infrastructure that honor the city’s history while paving the way for its future. Once complete, the 7-mile loop will serve as both an urban recreation destination and an economic catalyst for nearby neighborhoods and small businesses.