Underwater bridge inspections scheduled for three US 50 bridges along Blue Mesa Reservoir

April 23, 2020 - Northwestern Colorado

GUNNISON COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has contracted with Engineer Operations (eO) to perform routine Underwater Bridge Inspections of three bridges on US 50 located along Blue Mesa Reservoir. The inspections are planned for between April 27 and May 8. These inspections must be performed during reservoir low water levels for diver safety. CDOT does not anticipate the inspections will affect motorists on US 50.

Bridge inspections are being performed as required by 23 CFR 650, subpart C - National Bridge Inspection Standards to ensure the safety of our nation's bridges. The Underwater Inspections will be performed on Lake Fork Bridge (structure K-07-A), Middle Bridge (structure K-07-B) and Lake City Bridge (structure K-08-C). Operations will be based at Middle Bridge at Dillon Pinnacles. Dive boats have been inspected and certified free of Aquatic Invasive Species.

For more information about recreation access for Blue Mesa Reservoir, please contact Park Ranger Sandra Snell-Dobert with Curecanti National Recreation Area by email, at [email protected].

CDOT would like to remind motorists that avoiding travel between cities and regions is an important part of limiting the spread of COVID-19. Motorists from elsewhere are asked to check community and county services, including those in Gunnison County, before traveling to or through that area. Motorists should check COtrip.org for the latest road conditions.


Blue Mesa Reservoir bridge north view


Blue Mesa Reservoir bridge close up


Blue Mesa Bridge on US 50

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely. 

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:


WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

 

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.