Planning and Phasing

Learn about the plans for the Rail Trail.

The 7-mile Rail Trail Loop will connect key destinations in the greater downtown area like the National Hispanic Cultural Center, BioPark, Zoo, Old Town, Sawmill District, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Convention Center, Alvarado Transportation Center, and the Rail Yards.

The Rail Trail is a social equity infrastructure project that can:

Increase green space in our historic communities
Expand economic opportunities for workers and businesses
Add five miles of safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure for both commuters and families
Uplift the cultural heritage of historic neighborhoods
Grow public space acreage for community-based programming
Activate and develop vacant lots and buildings

Phasing Segments

Separate planning and construction phases for the Rail Trail include:

Sawmill (Complete October 2025)
Downtown
Wells Park
Barelas
Old Town

A rendering of the Rail Trail Sawmill Pavilion grass, trees, and people using the trail.

Rail Trail Sawmill Fencing 3

Feasibility Studies and Alignment Plans

Downtown Section
- Albuquerque Rail Trail Framework Plan
  - Part I - Executive Summary
  - Part II - Existing Conditions
  - Part III - Outreach
  - Part IV - Technical Analysis
  - Part V - Art + Cultural Programming
  - Part VI - Design Recommendations
  - Part VII - Appendix (Survey Results)
Wells Park & Sawmill Section
- Rail Spur Trail Feasibility Study
Barelas Section: In Planning
- Final Alignment Study
Old Town Section: In Planning