US 50 Middle Bridge in Gunnison fully reopens today

Travel Advisory

Nov.13, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Work continues on Lake Fork Bridge for the next few weeks

Montrose, Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the full reopening of the US 50 Middle Bridge to two-way travel Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Flagging and pilot car operations at this bridge are expected to end midday when both lanes will open for travel. The US 50 Lake Fork Bridge about five miles to the west will still be restricted to one lane of travel with work expected to finish in December.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and support throughout these past several months,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We know this bridge closure posed a very challenging situation for many people throughout southwest Colorado, and your resilience and understanding were crucial in helping us get to this point and we are pleased to have it open for business before winter shutdown.”

The US 50 Middle Bridge closed to all traffic April 18 to protect public safety after several cracks were observed during a special inspection. The repair process involved installing 250 tons of steel plate with over 25,000 bolts to repair the structure in areas that posed an imminent risk to structural integrity. Each steel plate bolted beneath the bridge is about 23 feet long, 2 ½ feet wide and 2 ½ inches thick and weighs about 9,000 pounds. Crews worked from a temporary scaffolding suspended from the side of the bridge to install the steel plate repairs. Initial repairs were completed to open the bridge to one lane limited traffic on July 3 with expanded traffic windows opened over Labor day.

By Oct. 16, all legal loads started traveling over the bridge in a single lane while the temporary work platform was removed from beneath the bridge.

Crews are still removing the temporary platform from beneath the Lake Fork Bridge and priming the steel for the final coat of paint that will be put on each bridge next spring when temperatures are warmer.

Both lanes across the US 50 Lake Fork Bridge are expected to open in December.

Large steel plate being installed on US 50 Middle Bridge
Large steel plates weighing about 9,000 pounds each were installed beneath the US 50 Middle Bridge to help reinforce the structure.

Crews place bolts to hold steel plates.
Nearly 200 bolts hold each of the massive steel plates in place.

Resources for Information and Updates

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!