The bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir is set to reopen on July 4th to limited traffic. The bridge has been closed since April 18th after inspectors discovered cracks in its support beams. Built in 1963, the bridge is located west of Gunnison and its closure has impacted Highway 50.
The state has provided a bypass on County Road 26, which is open multiple times a day for local travel. However, drivers are advised to use alternate routes on Interstate 70 to the north and U.S. 160 to the south, which can add 6 to 8 hours of driving time.
For comparison, the average commute time for Colorado residents is approximately 25-30 minutes each way. The significant detour caused by the bridge closure highlights the substantial impact on travel times for those affected.
Construction Facts posted by the Colorado Department of Transportation
- Construction Cost: $6 Million
- Contractor: Kiewit
- Timeline: April 2024 to August 2024
- Location: US 50 eastbound and westbound
- Nearest Town/City: Gunnison
- Mile Point(s): 137.30 to 137.31
- County: Hinsdale, Gunnison, and Montrose counties
