US 50 bridge repairs/inspections continue

Lake Fork showing anomalies but nothing major

By Katherine Nettles

Travel between Gunnison and Montrose continues to be a challenge this summer, with the US Highway 50 Middle Bridge by Blue Mesa Reservoir under repair with limited daily openings and the Lake Fork Bridge under inspections that will likely lead to temporary closures for repairs as well. 

In a press release from Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) this week, an update indicated the limited traffic openings for the Middle Bridge continue while it is being repaired and the inspections on the Lake Fork Bridge are now wrapping up.

CDOT reported that 70% of inspections on the Lake Fork Bridge are complete and will determine the locations for the repairs like the ones taking place on the Middle Bridge. “We are finding signs of anomalies, as expected at this time, but nothing that would require a long-term closure of the bridge,” according to the press release. 

The schedule for traffic allowed on the Middle Bridge is from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and again from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in alternating, single-direction traffic led by a pilot car. Passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, vans (including Sprinters), motorcycles and emergency vehicles are allowed, while trailers and all other larger vehicles must continue to use the County Road 26 (CR 26) detour.

CR 26 is the main bypass around the Middle Bridge closure since the bridge was first closed in April. This detour route is open for seven releases per day, with the exception of Wednesdays when there are five releases to allow for midday road maintenance. State vehicle dimension maximums are allowed on CR 26 to allow for trailers and heavier commercial vehicles to use the bypass. The schedule can be found at bit.ly/us50bridge.

The final repairs on the Middle Bridge are expected to be complete in October, and any repairs needed on the Lake Fork Bridge are also slated to be complete before the snow flies in late fall.

More information on the bridge closure, release schedule and repair schedule can be found at www.gunnisoncounty.org/1078/Hwy-50-Bridge-Closures-Piloted-Releases