This grant will fund the construction of a 2000-foot controlled siding on the new mexico rail runner express (NMRX) system between alameda blvd. And alameda RD. (approximate mileposts 894.4-894.8).

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Rio Metro Regional Transit District $5.412 million on June 30, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to construct a 2,000-foot controlled siding on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express system between Alameda Boulevard and Alameda Road (approximate mileposts 894.4–894.8).

The Alameda siding construction includes new subgrade, ballast, ties, rail, turnouts, switches, centralized traffic control and positive train control systems, and improvements to adjoining grade crossings. Rio Metro will also rehabilitate a dilapidated industry track adjoining the siding as part of the work. The single-track NMRX segment between control point Hahn near downtown Albuquerque and Bernalillo causes significant delays to commuter rail, Amtrak intercity service, and BNSF freight trains that must wait at either end for opposing traffic. The new siding creates a passing opportunity near the midpoint, improving on-time performance and scheduling flexibility for all three rail operators and reducing delays for both Rail Runner and Amtrak passengers while improving timeliness of BNSF deliveries to industry along the corridor.

Performance occurs in New Mexico. The period of performance runs through October 1, 2027.

Activities

The construction of the alameda siding will include new subgrade ballast ties rail turnouts switches centralized traffic control and positive train control systems and improvements to adjoining grade crossings. A dilapidated industry track adjoining the alameda siding will also be rehabilitated as part of construction.

Expected outcomes

The nmrx system consists of single track for 14 miles between control point hahn near downtown albuquerque and the town of bernalillo to the north. The causes significant delays to rail runner (commuter rail) amtrak (INTERCITY) and bnsf (class I) freight trains that must wait at either end of this segment for trains traveling in the opposite direction. The alameda siding will create a new passing opportunity near the mid-point of this segment thereby improving the on-time performance of and providing greater scheduling flexibility for the three aforementioned railroads.

Intended beneficiaries

The alameda siding will reduce delays experienced by both rail runner and amtrak passengers and improve the timeliness of bnsf deliveries to industry located along the nmrx system.