The Center of Albuquerque

Central Avenue at the Santa Fe railway, Albuquerque, NM

It's not just another railroad bridge, it's the center of Albuquerque's street system. The point at which Central Avenue goes under the Santa Fe railroad line is also the center of the NW-NE-SW-SE directional grid used for all Albuquerque street addresses.

Until the 1960s, this was the only place in Albuquerque where the rail line could be crossed without using a grade crossing. The underpass was also notorious for flooding during heavy rains.

This photo was taken in May 2004.