US 50 Emergency Bridge Improvements

About the Project:

US 50 bridge crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir near Dillon Pinnacles that is now closed

CDOT conducted a special inspection for high-strength steel bridges for the Blue Mesa bridges as required by the Federal Highway Administration. This inspection was required because of known issues with similarly constructed bridges elsewhere in the country. A defect was observed during an early investigation of the bridge at approximately Mile Point 136.3. CDOT immediately brought in a second inspection crew with resources to perform another method for testing whether the defect posed a safety hazard on the bridge. The second inspection took place on Thursday, April 18. The US 50 Blue Mesa Bridge was closed between Mile Point 136 and MP 140 shortly after due to safety reasons so that crews could conduct repairs. 

The US 50 Blue Mesa Bridge repairs have been conducted in phases to be able to open the bridge to some travel. Phase I repairs, which involved fixing cracks and critical issues in four areas that posed an imminent risk to structural integrity, were completed in July 2024, allowing the bridge to open to smaller vehicles and emergency services. 

Phase II completion along with a full reopening of the bridge is scheduled for fall 2024.