Reed Avenue Rail Corridor Is Moving Forward — Here's What It Means for Cheyenne Businesses
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Keeping tabs on what's happening at the city level is part of what the Chamber does — so here's what came out of the April 27 council meeting and why it matters for your business.
If you own a business in Cheyenne, care about downtown growth, or have watched the West Edge slowly come to life over the past several years — this one is worth paying attention to.
The Cheyenne City Council voted 8-2 to commit $5 million toward the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor project. After nearly a decade of planning and stalled negotiations, the project finally has real money behind it.
What's Actually Happening
The Reed Avenue corridor runs through Cheyenne's West Edge — a stretch of underutilized railroad right of way that the city wants to transform into a connected public space with pedestrian and bicycle access, gathering areas, improved drainage, and room for new business and housing development.
The $5 million covers planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction costs. No money moves until the city finalizes a written agreement with BNSF Railway, which owns the right of way.
Why It Matters for Your Business
The West Edge doesn't just feel like it's growing — the numbers back it up. For every $1 of public investment in the area, $6 in private investment has followed. The corridor has pulled in $17 million in external state and federal funding over four years.
That kind of return doesn't happen by accident. It happens because businesses see public commitment and decide the area is worth betting on. This vote is that kind of signal.
A more connected, walkable West Edge doesn't just benefit the businesses on that corridor — it strengthens Cheyenne's overall appeal as a place to live, work, and do business.
Visit Cheyenne noted in their support of the measure that when you improve access, appearance, and connectivity, you create conditions for more retail, lodging, dining, and housing to follow.
The Part Businesses Near the Corridor Need to Know
There will be disruption. As part of the BNSF agreement, 4 street crossings will close — 17th Street, 18th Street, 21st Street, and Dillon Avenue. These are BNSF's safety requirements. Other crossings along the corridor will stay open and receive upgrades.
Short term, that is a real impact for businesses that depend on those access points. Long term, a revitalized corridor brings foot traffic, new neighbors, and a more connected West Edge — which is good for everyone operating in that area.
No construction timeline has been set. That process begins once the BNSF agreement is finalized. If your business sits near the corridor, now is the time to pay attention. The Chamber will keep you updated as the timeline takes shape — and you can monitor the city's project page directly at cheyennecity.org/reed.
Where the Chamber Stands
The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce supports investment that builds a stronger local economy — and the Reed Avenue corridor has a track record that earns that support. We know that short-term disruption is real for businesses near the corridor, and we will keep members informed as the timeline and design process take shape.
