Walking Bridge Replacement at Carlsbad Caverns to Start April 16

Park Ranger Gosia Allison-Kosior talks with Lee and Sandy Smigiel, a couple visiting from New York, as they cross the bridge due for replacement. 

NPS photo

News Release Date: April 13, 2012

Contact: Paula Bauer

Carlsbad, New Mexico - Carlsbad Caverns National Park announces that a walking bridge located on the trail between the park visitor center and Carlsbad Cavern natural entrance will be replaced beginning April 16. During the two weeks that the bridge is unavailable, visitors will have access to the cave's natural entrance route by way of the nature trail, an additional half-mile walk. Elevator service will be an option available directly between the visitor center and Big Room and guided tours in Carlsbad Cavern.

The bridge has been in place for several decades and shows signs of severe rust damage. A wooden support structure beneath the bridge ensures that it is safe to use. "We had hoped to put off this replacement project until this fall," explains Carlsbad Caverns National Park Superintendent John Benjamin, "but after looking at the extent of the corrosion, it's clear that it's prudent to do the work sooner, rather than later."

For a complete list of cave tours and programs and park operating hours, please visit the park's website, www.nps.gov/cave.