Construction will begin Monday, June 16, on the Central Crossing Bridge at Central Avenue and First Street, part of the planned seven-mile Albuquerque Rail Trail that will affect downtown travel for nearly a year.
The 10-month project will reshape a key downtown intersection, shifting bus routes, limiting vehicle turns and closing parts of the sidewalk near the Alvarado Transportation Center. The new Central Crossing Bridge will aim to create a safer, more direct path across the train tracks and link neighborhoods to Albuquerque’s growing Rail Trail. City officials say the short-term hassle will pay off with better walkability, access and connection across downtown.
“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.”
Transit Impacts
Bus riders at the ATC should plan for detours and stop changes during the 10-month construction project. Route updates are available on the ABQ RIDE website or the Transit app.
The eastbound Route 66 bus will temporarily stop at bay “N” inside the ATC, just southeast of First Street and Gold Avenue. It will take a short detour after leaving the center and skip one stop on Central Avenue just west of Broadway Boulevard.
Route 11 will shift from bay “D” to bay “E.” The 766 Red Line and the 777 Green Line will continue using the regular Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) platform but will exit the center on a different route without missing 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.”
Pedestrian Access
Pedestrians heading downtown or accessing the ATC or the Rail Runner will also see changes.
Pedestrians will not be able to use the southeast corner of Central Avenue and First Street during construction. To reach the Rail Runner platform, use the usual detour through the south end of the ATC near the Amtrak and Greyhound stations. The ATC remains accessible from First Street and Gold Avenue.
“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.”
Traffic Changes
The changes drivers will see during construction, which may cause some delays, so it would be a good time to consider alternate routes or try public transit if possible.
First Street will be northbound only between Central and Gold. There will be no turns allowed onto First from Central. Central will stay open both ways, though lanes will shift slightly due to some barricading.
“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 Michael 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.”
The Rail Trail
The Rail Trail is a planned 7-mile loop designed by Antoine Predock & Associates, along with Pland Collaborative and Wilson & Company. It will connect major destinations across greater downtown Albuquerque, including the Rail Yards, ATC, Convention Center, Old Town, the BioPark, Zoo, Sawmill District, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
According to the city, the project has secured $39.5 million in funding. That includes $10 million from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, $12.1 million from the Albuquerque City Council and $14.4 million earmarked for the Downtown stretch between the Rail Yards and Lomas. The Downtown funding includes an $11.5 million federal RAISE grant and $2.9 million in local matching funds. Another $3 million, through a federal earmark from Sen. Martin Heinrich and Sen. Ben Ray Luján, is set aside for the Wells Park section between Lomas and Constitution.
Full build-out costs are still being finalized, with early estimates between $60 million and $90 million. Future funding is expected to come from a mix of federal, state and local sources.
Support for Navigating Changes
ABQ RIDE Ambassadors will spend more time at the ATC during construction to help riders with directions and route changes, according to city officials. Riders can also call 505-243-RIDE for route planning support or transit questions or visit ABQRIDE.com for detour and route info.