BUILDING THE TRAIL
construction updates
Follow the Rail Trail’s transformation from concept to construction, with photos capturing early planning, groundbreaking moments, and active work on key segments of the route.
CENTRAL CROSSING
-UNDER CONSTRUCTION-
Construction is now underway on the Central Crossing Bridge improvement project. Work includes permanently closing the existing pedestrian undercrossing and building two new ADA-compliant ramps—one on each side of the pass—to create a safe, accessible at-grade crossing along the upper railway level. These upgrades are designed to improve visibility, enhance pedestrian safety, and strengthen connections between surrounding neighborhoods.
For years, the pedestrian underpass at 1st Street and Central Avenue has experienced ongoing safety and maintenance concerns, limiting comfortable access between East Downtown and the Downtown Core. This project addresses those issues by replacing the undercrossing with a more open and secure route intended to better serve residents, visitors, and daily commuters.
SAWMILL
-COMPLETE-
Construction on the Sawmill segment of the Rail Trail is now complete, marking the first finished portion of the planned 7-mile loop that will connect several core neighborhoods. This segment runs from Bellamah Avenue to Tiguex Park and includes new artistic archways designed by Antoine Predock Architects, LED pathway lighting, benches, bike racks, and overhead lights. These features establish the design approach and amenities that will be carried forward in future segments of the trail.
The Sawmill area, once a major hub of New Mexico’s logging and manufacturing industries, has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. The Rail Trail builds on this progress by transforming former rail corridors into a public pathway that improves walkability, enhances neighborhood connections, and supports ongoing redevelopment in the district.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Photographer Adolphe Pierre-Louis has been documenting the Rail Trail’s evolution from the earliest stages of planning through active construction. His work includes a comprehensive series of pre-construction images that capture existing site conditions, along with ongoing progress photos that highlight major milestones along the route. This visual record provides an important archive of the project’s development and helps illustrate how each segment is taking shape over time.
