Forest Road 233 to be closed to public during project work, set to begin May 8

RESERVE, NM, April 28, 2023 – The Gila National Forest is partnering with the Federal Highway Administration to repair and improve the crossing of Tularosa River on National Forest System Road (NFSR) 233, which provides access to Eagle Peak in Catron County, New Mexico. The road will be closed to the public during construction activities from May 8 into early July. Authorized permittees and administrative use will be allowed, but delays should be expected.

Water has undercut the existing concrete low water crossing and apron, compromising its stability, and the existing design is a barrier to aquatic organism passage. The new crossing will be built from articulated concrete blocks that allow water to drain through them and are more accessible to passage by fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, the stream and adjacent wetland will be restored in the vicinity of the crossing by placing coarse woody debris in the channel, creating riffle and pool habitats and helping to stabilize streambanks.

“This project in partnership with the Federal Highways Administration will replace a damaged stream crossing with a more modern design which will help support and promote aquatic species and provide for aquatic organism passage,” said Reserve District Ranger Amanda Gehrt. “The associated stream and wetland restoration will improve important aquatic habitats and help reduce erosion and downstream sedimentation.”

NFSR 233 provides access to Eagle Peak Road #38 and the Eagle Peak Lookout, as well as Trails #768 and #766 and the trailhead providing access to them. Other closed roads that are accessed from 233 include, 4033Y, 4035V, 4046E, 4166D, -E, -F, -G, -H, -I, -K, -M, -Q, -R, and -T; 4178N, 4310X, and -Z; 4311, 4311B, and -D; and 4318E and -F. The project is expected to take approximately 2 months for completion. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.