Rail Runner Alternatives Narrowed to Two
(11-08-06) - The New Mexico Department of Transportation and the
Mid-Region Council of Governments announced today that further work on
the extension of Rail Runner service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
will focus on two primary alternatives. This decision is the result of
a five-month process that involved the development, analysis, and
public review of four different alternative alignments that would
connect the existing track at the base of La Bajada Hill with the
existing Santa Fe Southern track in the vicinity of St. Francis Dr.
and I-25.
“This decision comes after listening to the concerns of many and
taking into consideration a lot of public comment. So we really feel
that these two alternatives best meet the current needs of the area as
well as future growth,” says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the
Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We want to make sure the residents
of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County are well-served by giving them
efficient transportation alternatives that don’t exist today.”
“After considering all of the public comment and technical
information, the DOT believes that these are the two alternatives that
need to be carried forward”, says Secretary Rhonda Faught, NM
Department of Transportation. “As the Department’s number one project,
we’re happy to be getting closer to implementing commuter rail for the
residents of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.”
The two alternatives carried forward include:
• Alternative 1 - which would utilize the median of I-25 for most of
the way.
• Alternative 5 - which would traverse the area south of and parallel
to I-25.
More info...
These alternatives represent the two best options for providing the
rail connection based on the technical analysis, consultation with
Santa Fe County and the City of Santa Fe, and public comment received.
To the degree possible, the two alternatives limit exposure to
existing developments, while also providing opportunities to serve
existing and planned growth in this portion of Santa Fe County. These
two alternatives will be the focus of an upcoming public meeting.
CONTACT: Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov
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