The Catwalk National Recreation Trail remains closed after flash flooding severely damaged the recreation area. Forest Service engineers applied for and were approved for Emergency Relief, Federal Owned (ERFO) funding to reconstruct the entire Catwalk hanging structure, pedestrian bridges, trails and picnic areas. (Courtesy Photos) (more at the end of article)

GLENWOOD, N.M. — The Glenwood Ranger District hosted an open house for area residents to present plans to reconstruct and restore the Catwalk National Recreation Trail and parking facilities on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Reconstruction of the site and design elements were reviewed and discussed with members of the community. During the meeting, Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration explained the design and build strategy, which allows for completion of approximately 30 percent of the design work before a contract is awarded.

"The design and build approach provides contractors some flexibility during reconstruction to address unique elements of the Catwalk and Whitewater Creek," said Debbie Cress, Glenwood District Ranger. "Hydraulics and hydrology surveys have also been completed and data is being compiled by Central Federal Lands specialists for this project."

The following day, contractors were given an opportunity to tour the Catwalk trail. Each interested contractor will have the opportunity to submit their qualifications in late October and proposals must be submitted by late November. Central Federal Lands anticipates awarding the contract in mid-February 2015 and work is planned to be completed by mid-December 2015.

According to Cress, the public can expect closures of the Catwalk during critical phases of reconstruction next year, but intends to provide opportunities for recreationists to use the picnic area and observe work in progress when it is safe to do so. The Glenwood Ranger District staff will be working closely with local business owners to determine when access would be most beneficial to recreationists and businesses.

Currently, the Catwalk is closed due to highway damage and debris on the low water crossing near the parking lot. State Highway Department efforts to clean up sediment and repair highway damage continue to be hampered by recurring storms and higher than average flows in Whitewater Creek. The public is encouraged to contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for the latest information on access to the Catwalk area at (575) 539-2481.

Flash flooding washed away a section of New Mexico Route 174, also known as Catwalk Road, making the recreation site inaccessible to the public. The roadway is impassable at the Whitewater Creek crossing and repair work has been assessed by the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

(Below) Catwalk 3 and 4
Contractors tour the Catwalk National Recreation Trail with U.S. Forest Service officials and representatives from Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration. Central Federal Lands anticipates awarding the Catwalk reconstruction contract in mid-February 2015 and work is planned to becompleted by mid-December 2015.