Contractors report work is ahead of schedule

GLENWOOD, NM, December 15, 2023 – A contractor began working on pavement and drainage improvements to New Mexico Highway 174, the road that provides access to Catwalk National Recreation Trail, on November 13. Work will pause from December 22 through January 8, 2024 so that workers can spend the time with their families during the holiday season.

“We have been very pleased with the work progress, which the contractor reports is proceeding ahead of schedule so far,” said Glenwood District Ranger Brian Stultz. “The upgraded low water crossings, improved drainage, and resurfacing will improve resilience of the roadway to flooding and provide more reliable public access to the Catwalk Trail.”

Traffic is limited to one lane in a detour around two culverts that are being replaced. During the holiday work stoppage, one lane of travel will remain open, controlled by traffic signal.

Signage has been posted on US Highway 180 to notify drivers of construction activities on NM Highway 174 for access to the Catwalk. For more project information contact catwalkproject@dot.gov . Project information is available at https://highways.dot.gov/design-visualization/projects/nm/catwalk-access-road . Design plans are available at https://sam.gov/opp/a098f2baef8d4b869da0b4395e5b0df1/view

For information about Catwalk Recreation Area visit Gila National Forest - Catwalk Recreation Area (usda.gov) or contact Maribeth Pecotte at Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov  or 575-388-8211.