Central Bridge Crossing Work Starts Next Week
Central Bridge Crossing Work Starts Next Week
ALBUQUERQUE – The countdown is on for construction of the Central Crossing Bridge at Central and 1st Street. The result will be an open-air pedestrian and bike ramp leading to an at-grade crossing of the train tracks as part of the new Albuquerque Rail Trail. Work is scheduled to start on Monday, June 16, 2025 and expected to last about 10 months.
Construction alongside the Alvarado Transportation Center (ATC) will impact three bus routes, one bus bay, and several points of pedestrian access to the downtown transit hub.
Between Central and Gold:
- 1st Street will be open to northbound traffic only for all vehicles.
- East side of the sidewalk on 1st Street will be closed along the ATC north of the ART platform.
- ART platform will still be serviced on 1st Street.
“For as big as this project will be for Albuquerque, the disruption should be minimal for transit services and traffic flow,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “What’s coming will be worth the wait: a multi-use pedestrian parkway better connecting our community, telling our story through art, and bringing vibrance and energy to the heart of the city.”
What Transit Users Need to Know:
- Detour and route change information can be found on the ABQ RIDE website or Transit app.
- Route 66: There will be a temporary stop for the eastbound Route 66 bus that is normally next to the ART station; the temporary stop will be inside the ATC at bus bay “N” just to the southeast of 1st and Gold. After leaving the ATC, Route 66 will follow a short detour, missing one stop only on Central just west of Broadway.
- Route 11: At the ATC starting on Monday, June 16, 2025, this route will be serviced at bus bay “E” instead of bay “D”.
- Route 766/777: ART will still be serviced at the ATC at the regular platform. The bus will leave the ATC on a different route than usual but will not miss any stops.
“The Albuquerque Rail Trail’s vision benefits transit users and helps everyone consider alternative modes of transportation with convenient and safe access to our downtown transit hub,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “Both the Rail Trail and the ATC enhance connectivity to destinations citywide – the Rail Trail will bring people to transit services and vice versa.”
What Pedestrians Need to Know
- The southeast corner of Central and 1st Street will be closed to pedestrians.
- The Rail Runner platform can be reached the same way it has been, a detour through the south end of the ATC near Amtrak and Greyhound.
- The ATC can be accessed by entering the facility at 1st Street and Gold.
“Every transit trip starts either on foot or a bicycle, meaning that access to transit extends beyond the bus stop. The Rail Trail project intersects with the ATC, creating and celebrating safe pedestrian spaces in downtown Albuquerque,” said Transit Advisory Board Member Dara Osher. “A connected, comfortable, multimodal transportation network where people feel safe walking, biking, and gathering typically increases transit use as well.”
What Drivers Need to Know
- Drivers will not be able to turn south onto 1st Street from either direction on Central.
- Traffic on Central will experience some barricading to shift lanes around the construction but will otherwise continue as usual in both directions.
“Whenever there is construction, it’s a great opportunity for people to consider how public transportation might be even faster in some cases than using a single occupancy vehicle,” said Transit Deputy Director Mike Davis. “Routes will still be able to take you where you need to go, so we challenge you to try buses or other non-car transportation during construction.”
During the construction months, ABQ RIDE Ambassadors will spend more time at the ATC to help with wayfinding and planning for any route changes. People can also call 243-RIDE for route planning support or transit questions. Detour information is listed at ABQRIDE.com.
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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.