Construction begins on Rail Runner station in New Mexico

Rio Metro Regional Transit District and Albuquerque, N.M., officials broke ground last week on a new Montano Transit Center that will serve riders of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.

The $7.1 million station, 78 percent of which will be funded with federal dollars, will serve the region's growing North Valley and Montano/Montgomery river-crossing corridor, Rio Metro officials said in a press release.

G. Sandoval Construction was awarded the construction contract in early August. The pueblo-style rail platform will feature a 291-space parking lot, bus bays, bike racks, lockers and free Wi-Fi service. It also will have environmentally friendly features such as LED lighting and solar panels.

"This new station will bring greater access to affordable, public transportation to a whole new segment of Albuquerque's population," said Mayor Richard Berry. "It also has the potential to open up the area to more economic development, if not redevelopment of the area."

The project is expected to be completed in January.