US 50 bridges work hours change June 8

Travel Advisory

June 4, 2025 - Northwestern Colorado - More daylight, warmer temperatures aid final phase in structure repair

Montrose and Gunnison Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation and Kiewit Infrastructure Co. are altering the work hours for crews applying the final coat of paint to the newly repaired steel on the US Highway 50 Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge.

Starting Sunday, June 8, crews will work from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through Friday with flaggers directing single-lane travel over each bridge. This work began in early May and is scheduled for completion by the end of July.

This is the last phase of work on the emergency repair project that began in April 2024 when several steel weld cracks were detected in the US 50 Middle Bridge, prompting CDOT to close the bridge to maintain public safety. Similar defects in the US 50 Lake Fork Bridge resulted in a partial closure of that structure as well.

“Because the paint adheres better in warmer temperatures, we’re moving up our work hours slightly to take advantage of more daylight as we enter the homestretch of this repair project,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith. “We appreciate the community’s continued support as we close out this critical safety project.”

Overnight painting work will continue until the end of July, each Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. There will be no work over the Fourth of July weekend.

Travel Impacts

  • Nighttime work hours 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., Sunday through Friday
  • Travel over each bridge is reduced to a single lane
  • Flaggers are directing single-lane travel over each bridge
  • The speed limit is reduced to 35 mph through the work zone
  • The project is expected to last until the end of July
US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles located west of Gunnison
Work is underway to apply the final protective coating on two US 50 bridges that cross the Blue Mesa Reservoir between Gunnison and Montrose. This work is expected to be complete by the end of July, ending the emergency repair project that began April 18, 2024.

Project Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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