City of Albuquerque Breaks Ground on Rail Trail in Sawmill
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Mayor Tim Keller was joined by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, elected leaders, and community members to celebrate the start of construction on the Albuquerque Rail Trail, a landmark project designed to unite communities that have been divided for decades. Construction is kicking off for the Sawmill section of the trail.
The Rail Trail is a pedestrian parkway that will reflect Albuquerque’s vibrant history and cultural diversity. This 7-mile bike and walking loop will be our "Trail of Enchantment." It will not only connect Downtown, Old Town, Sawmill, the Rail Yards, and the Bosque, it will tell the story of this place our families call home. The Sawmill section will feature LED lighting on the surface of the trail, overhead lighting, bike racks, benches, and emergency call boxes. This portion of the project will connect the trail to Tiguex Park.
“Today’s groundbreaking is more than just the start of construction—it's the start of a new chapter for Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We are building a trail that honors our city’s roots while creating a pathway to a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable future. Just as the railroad once connected Albuquerque to the wider world, this trail will connect our communities, bringing people together and paving the way for our future."
Albuquerque’s historic Sawmill District was famously the heart of New Mexico’s logging industry, and home to the largest manufacturing company in the Southwest. The Albuquerque Rail Trail builds on this foundation, turning the old railways into a vibrant corridor that will spark development, provide new housing opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents, visitors, and their families. The project has garnered strong support from community leaders and local residents, who see the Rail Trail as a vital step in revitalizing the city’s urban core.
"This trail represents the power of strategic investment in our city’s built environment,” said MRA Director Terry Brunner. “By connecting neighborhoods and activating our urban core, we are creating economic opportunities that will benefit all residents."
The trail will feature public art installations, historical markers, and green spaces, transforming Albuquerque into a healthy, connected, walkable, and bikeable city where residents can get around safely and easily, our small businesses can flourish, and all our neighborhoods have an opportunity for thoughtful growth. It’s an investment that will boost economic opportunities, spur development, and create a vibrant urban environment that all residents can enjoy.
The Sawmill section of the trail is expected to be complete late 2025. For more information about the Albuquerque Rail Trail, please visit cabq.gov/railtrail.