Albuquerque, New Mexico
An Intermodal Hub for the Western United States
Albuquerque, NM has a population of approximately 561,000 as of 2022, and has indicated a negative growth rate in recent years. Whereas Los Angeles (3.8M), and Phoenix (1.6M) indicate growth and a large population base from which to support a rail system, Albuquerque is on the cusp. By population, Albuquerque represents the 32th most populous city in the United States.
Independent of demographic statistics, geospatially, Albuquerque is in an interesting position relative to other connectivity aims. It is due South of Colorado, which has been seeking more connectivity options, but is limited by the mountain ranges to its West, and the open and largely vacant expanses of the Central Midwest to its East. It is also approximately due North of El Paso. This puts Albuquerque on line with both the Redline (East-West) and the Midwest Railway (North-South), which aims to serve those (underserved) regions restricted by geography and demographic data for the purpose of eventual growth, if not immediate full capacity utilization.
Albuquerque is abutted by a mountain range of its own directly to the East however, and the economic costs of skirting the edge of those mountains versus providing a central station (which then would require a looping alignment) may be a factor of consideration. For example, a straight tunnel East of the city would require approximately a 10 mile length. The current longest tunnel in the United States is 7.8 miles long, as part of the the Northern Transcontinental line between Seattle and Chicago, built in 1929. That is not to say it can't or shouldn't be done; The longest rail tunnel in the world is 35.5 miles long, in the Swiss Alps.
Nevertheless, the site selection process requires a concerted effort and analysis by city representatives, in addition to long range surveying considerations, for the routing in all directions. A "destination" station, and/or a dedicated intermodal "inland port" might suit the geography as well as the potential commercial interest.
