Reserve, NM, Sept. 12, 2025—The South Fork Negrito Creek bridge replacement project is approaching the final stages of construction on the Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. The contractor expects delivery of the major prefabricated steel bridge components from September 17 – 22, which is likely to affect travelers on Forest Road 141 between Reserve, New Mexico, and the project site, 27 miles to the southeast. Trucks hauling large, bulky, heavy materials will be slow-moving and have the potential to temporarily impede the normal flow of traffic.
A 4.5-mile segment of Forest Road 141 and South Fork Campground have been closed since May 2025 for the replacement of a 66-year-old bridge that was showing signs of degradation and potential for catastrophic failure. The final stage of the overall project includes installation of guardrails, laying of asphalt approaches, and overall site rehabilitation with reseeding. The timeline for lifting of the temporary road and area closure remains as previously reported in mid-October, unless the bridge project is completed sooner.
The ongoing road closure is an inconvenience for residents, visitors, businesses, and forest employees alike. The public's patience and understanding through completion of this project is appreciated. Please plan your route ahead of time to avoid unnecessary delays. There are multiple alternate routes available:
Forest Road 94 (Cox Canyon Road) from Apache Creek to Catron County Road 28 (Bursum Road – north end). Recent and ongoing road maintenance ensures the suitability of this road for all traffic. This is the main designated detour.
Catron County Road 28 at Horse Springs, passing through Y-Canyon to Forest Road 94.
New Mexico Highway 159 (Bursum Road – south end, also known as Mogollon Road) from US Highway 180 north of Glenwood to the Willow Creek area. This is a narrow, rocky road that may be suitable for high clearance vehicles.
Forest Road 153 (Deep Creek Divide) to Forest Road 180 (Corner Mountain Road) to Forest Road 119 is yet another option that is suitable only for high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles.
The temporary public safety closure prohibits public entry on the closed section of Forest Road 141 for any purpose. Penalties for violating the closure may require appearance in federal court and fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail. Violations of the closure will delay project completion due to work stoppage for public safety. Visit Gila National Forest Closures to view the closure order.
