Planning and Phasing

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

Trail Oriented Development Playbook

Trail Oriented Development Playbook [PDF]

As part of the planning for the Sawmill segment of the Rail Trail, MRA engaged Toole Design to create a best-practices guidebook that will help inform City of Albuquerque policies and practices. It includes national best practices and a toolbox for land development, trail amenities, and connections between the Rail Trail and surrounding areas to inform planning for development projects and infrastructure investments as the trail builds out. The Rail Trail is being designed to connect neighborhoods and communities across the city in a way that encourages placemaking, supports active lifestyles, increases transportation options, and entices redevelopment.