Two projects that have been discussed for many years across multiple city administrations took a physical step toward reality Wednesday when demolition began at the pedestrian tunnel linking East Downtown under the railroad tracks to the Central Avenue corridor at First Street. The project also marks the first phase of construction for the highly-anticipated Rail Trail.
Officials met at the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque to mark the occasion.
The tunnel has long been considered one of the most unappealing features of Downtown and its transformation is considered a crucial piece to revitalize the corridor.
“First Central Crossing” is set to feature a three-ramp pedestrian crossing brought to the same level as the railroad tracks. The result means that those who walk or bike to and from locations along the Route 66 corridor in Downtown will no longer be forced to navigate a dark, dirty, loud, unsafe and under-the-tracks pathway. Officials say it also makes loitering and camping more difficult.
“You’ll also be able to get up on top of the platform and see Downtown in an entirely new and different light,” said Terry Brunner, the director of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA). “We think that this project is not only responsive to neighborhood concerns and concerns around the city about Downtown, but it makes a visionary improvement to how we interact with this part of Downtown.”
The crossing was designed by world-renowned architect Antoine Predock who died in March. Officials said the vehicle access underneath the railroad tracks would not be altered.
The tunnel has long been considered a barrier for Albuquerque residents, visitors, workers and students from nearby InnovateABQ who access Downtown to work, attend events, board mass transit, grab a bite to eat or simply experience Route 66.
“[We are] literally tearing down a barrier that has separated our community,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said. “It is about reuniting Downtown. This tunnel has always been problematic for public safety, especially for elderly individuals and families.”
Brunner said he expects the crossing to be completed by mid-2025.
Rail Trail construction underway
Officials said the tunnel project serves as the first phase of construction on the Rail Trail — a 7-mile urban, multi-use trail that would eventually link Downtown to historic neighborhoods, cultural destinations, entertainment options, mass transit and the city’s Rail Yards.
“It is essentially the beginning of about 16 phases of a huge project that every New Mexican will eventually know about,” Keller said.
The MRA is the city entity overseeing the Rail Trail’s phases. Brunner said in March that $40 million had been raised with at least another $40 million needed — a mix of city, state and federal dollars. He expects the Rail Trail to be completed sometime in 2027.
The MRA has also organized outreach events with the communities the Rail Trail would link together. Historic neighborhoods surrounding Downtown that are included in design and construction plans include areas like Wells Park, the Sawmill District, Barelas and Old Town. The outreach was intended to solicit concerns and come up with ideas on how to use the unique aspects of each area to inform the Rail Trail’s features.
MRA spokesperson Sarah Supple said Wednesday that the community feedback is being compiled into a document that would soon be released.
More information is available here.
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