CDOT continuing to assess bridge damage, next steps on US 50 west of Gunnison

Travel Advisory

April 19, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Hotline, email address set up for community questions
Identified crack on US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison. This photo shows the crack after further investigation.
Identified crack on US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison. This photo shows the crack after further investigation.
Identified crack on US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison. This photo shows the crack found during initial investigation
Identified crack on US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison. This photo shows the crack found during initial investigation
The girders underneath the main span of the US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison
The girders underneath the main span of the US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison

Gunnison and Montrose Counties — Colorado Department of Transportation officials are working with bridge engineers to determine the next steps for addressing cracks discovered Thursday, April 18 in the US Highway 50 bridge crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Dillon Pinnacles. The bridge is located west of Gunnison at Mile Point 136.3. In the interest of public safety, travel on a section of US 50 between Montrose and Gunnison is restricted, and there is no estimated timeline for reopening the highway. Today a hotline and email were established to assist customers with questions about the closure. Anyone with questions can reach out via 970-648-4423 or [email protected]. Calls will be closely monitored and will receive a prompt reply. Information is also available on the project website at bit.ly/us50bridge. Travelers should refer to COtrip.org or the smartphone COtrip Planner app to plan an alternate route. A local alternate route is not open at this time.

During a Friday morning media briefing, CDOT officials detailed the inspections thus far and the specific concerns that required the closure of US 50. The extent of the cracking was noted Thursday during a special inspection needed for a specific type of steel bridges. The inspection is required by the Federal Highway Administration, and there is one other bridge in the state with these same characteristics, just a few miles west on US 50. CDOT is continuing with inspections of both of these bridges, and the results of those examinations will determine the plans for fixes, as well as the time frame to make those repairs.

The closure of US 50 creates a significant detour for commuters between Montrose and Gunnison. CDOT recognizes what a significant disruption this closure is for local residents, and we continue to work with local government partners to establish detour routes that are significantly less disruptive for local residents than the official detours we currently have in place. Crews are collaborating to deal with areas on seasonal roads that are water-logged from Spring runoff and will need repairs in order to support traffic. CDOT teams have been hauling gravel and equipment to help manage these trouble spots on the seasonal county roads. As the roads stabilized, they will first be available for local emergency services while plans are developed to support limited local travel.

Currently, the only detours are via Interstate 70 to the north or US 160 to the south and these detours add six to eight hours of travel time. CDOT is coordinating with emergency service providers to ensure emergency response is unaffected.

Traffic Impacts

  • US 50 is closed between Montrose and Gunnison.
  • Alternate routes include I-70 to the north or US 160 to the south.
  • A local detour is not available at this time (Friday, April 19)

Project Contact Information

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

US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison
Underneath the US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison

US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison
US 50 bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles, located west of Gunnison

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!