Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge Concept

2022// CIVIC // CONCEPTUAL

Conceptual design proposal for the addition on a new pedestrian bridge to link the North and South shore Riverwalk paths in Carlsbad, NM. The existing path system runs continuously for nearly 5 miles, from the railroad trestle bridge crossing, South around Lower Transill Dam, and back North, ending again at the trestle bridge. The only existing connection on this northern edge is a maintenance bypass along the trestle bridge that links the shore lines, but has no pedestrian access connection, and is officially not for public use.

This project was a conceptual exercise to work up a reasonable proposal for a connection between these two shore lines, allowing for pedestrians & cyclists to safely transit the river, completing the Riverwalk loop trial, while maintaining an open waterway for recreational use of the waters by boaters & fisherman.

The proposed bridge would span the full width of the river channel; approximately 350 ft; and connect to existing Riverwalk infrastructure. The design borrows an arch vocabulary from another local landmark, the Pecos River Flume, further West of the proposed bridge location. The arch supports provide suspension of a trussed walkway, which would be required to withstand not only pedestrian traffic, but also seasonal western winds, as well as potential floodwaters.

The project is only in an idea set forth for discussion. No plans for its fulfillment is currently underway. This