Albuquerque’s Sunport Rail Spur Gets Up to $18.5 Million Federal Grant
Albuquerque was selected for up to $18.5 million to upgrade the Sunport Rail Spur. The federal grant will rehabilitate about six miles of track near the Sunport. The money comes through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. The program awarded more than $2.3 billion to 105 rail projects across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
The Albuquerque project will rehabilitate about six miles of track. It will add a rail siding. It will build a retaining wall to prevent erosion. It will install railcar monitoring technology. The city covers 20% of the cost.
The upgrades will connect nearby industrial properties to freight rail. Businesses will gain another way to move construction materials and industrial supplies. The project supports future development near the Sunport, including in Mesa del Sol. The spur branches off the main rail line near Broadway Boulevard. It runs south toward Rio Bravo Boulevard along the southern edge of Sunport property. It loops around Interstate 25.
New Mexico Transloading is the rail spur’s first client. The company invested about $1.4 million to rehabilitate the northern portion of the line. “Investing in New Mexico’s commercial infrastructure helps grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for New Mexico families,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said. He said the grant will restore track at the Sunport, improve safety and freight service and create new opportunities to move goods.
Mayor Tim Keller said the investment will help connect the city’s existing transportation infrastructure. “Albuquerque already has the airport, the rail line, the interstate connections, and the land. This investment helps us put those assets to work together,” Keller said. No start date is announced.
Freight rail moves goods between businesses and markets. A rail spur connects local properties to a main rail line. Grants fund infrastructure projects that local budgets cannot cover alone.
Albuquerque has not announced a project timeline or construction start date. The city must complete project development and final design before work begins.
