This Train Keeps Rolling Along

Submitted by TimJFowler on Thu, 2008/08/07 - 6:30pm
in
New Railroad Tracks for the Rail Runner

Are you wondering about the railroad construction stretching from downtown past La Bajada hill to the south? All that construction is a big clue that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is coming to Santa Fe.

Conveniently, there are TWO public information meetings planned to tell you more about it. If you're curious about the Rail Runner and when commuter rail service to Santa Fe will begin (December 2008, hopefully) you should attend Tuesday's meeting. If you live near the St. Francis Drive and Zia Road intersection the Wednesday meeting may answer your questions about the new train station plans.

Meeting One

What: Rail Runner Santa Fe Extension Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Presentation at 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) invite you to a public information meeting for the New Mexico Rail Runner Project. The meeting will provide updated information specific to current project activities including:

  • Updated Train Schedules and Fare Structure – The draft schedules presented at previous meetings have been updated to reflect feedback from the public. The latest draft schedules and fare costs will be presented.
  • Stations – The latest design information for the stations in Santa Fe will be presented.
  • Changes to the NM 599 Interchange – The station at I-25 and NM 599 will modify the configuration of this interchange. Access scenarios for this station and their effect on the interchange will be presented.
  • Bus Connections – Plans to provide bus service connections at the Rail Runner Stations will be presented.
  • Project Update and Status Report – A status report on the progress of the project will be provided including what has been accomplished and what will be accomplished by this fall.

    • Meeting Two

    What: Early Neighborhood Notification meeting on transit-oriented development at St. Francis Drive and Zia Road
    When: Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
    Where: Capshaw Middle School, 351 Zia Road

    Developers with SFBrown plan to unveil broad proposals for multistory buildings, housing units and a depot on the 20 acres it owns on Santa Fe's south side. The firm is inviting neighbors to a meeting next week to learn details.

    I'm definitely excited about being able to leave the car at home and take the train to Albuquerque for shopping, business or to catch a flight. Having a station less than a mile from my house makes it even better.

    More Info:

    NM Rail Runner - Public Meetings About Santa Fe Extension

    S.Fe New Mexican - Rail Runner Express: Planners want 'vibrant' station area

    SF Brown

    Wikipedia - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

    DirtHeads.net - 'This Train Keeps Rolling Along' lyrics