Final phase of US 50 bridge repair work set to begin May 12

Travel Advisory

May 2, 2025 - Northwestern Colorado - Minimal traffic impacts expected for overnight painting work

Montrose and Gunnison Counties — The last piece of repair work on the US Highway 50 Middle Bridge and US 50 Lake Fork Bridge, is set to begin May 12, as crews conduct paint operations on the new steel.

Last year, the Colorado Department of Transportation closed the US 50 Middle Bridge, located at Blue Mesa Reservoir between Gunnison and Montrose, to protect public safety after several steel weld cracks were observed during a special inspection. Work to install steel plates beneath both bridges continued through much of 2024 and now, after a winter project shutdown, crews are returning to apply a final coat of paint to the newly repaired steel.

Painting work on the US 50 Middle Bridge is scheduled to start Monday, May 12, and when that bridge is completed, crews will shift focus to the US 50 Lake Fork Bridge.

"After the burden of last year's emergency closure, we're pleased to announce that this final phase of work will have only a minimal impact on people traveling US 50 between Montrose and Gunnison," said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith. "This last phase of work will bring to a close what was an amazing demonstration of successful coordination between numerous government and contracted agencies in order to tackle and accomplish this significant feat."

This painting work is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

Travel Impacts

  • Nighttime work hours 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday
  • Travel over each bridge will be reduced to a single lane
  • Flaggers will direct single-lane travel over each bridge
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph through the work zone
The US 50 Middle Bridge that crosses the Blue Mesa Reservoir about 20 miles west of Gunnison.
The US 50 Middle Bridge that crosses the Blue Mesa Reservoir about 20 miles west of Gunnison will get a final coat of paint this year. This work will bring to an end the emergency repair project that began April 18, 2024, when the revelation of several steel weld cracks prompted CDOT to close the bridge.

Project Contact 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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