In response to safety concerns, the US 50 bridge located west of Gunnison in Colorado has been closed, effective immediately. The closure was implemented on Thursday, April 18, following the discovery of cracking in the bridge that raised alarm among state bridge engineering experts and the Federal Highway Administration.

The closure encompasses the section of the US 50 bridge that crosses the Blue Mesa Reservoir near Dillon Pinnacles. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has taken action based on the findings of an ongoing safety inspection, which revealed anomalies in the bridge's structure. The affected portion of the bridge spans between US 50 Mile Point 131, at the intersection with Colorado Highway 92, and MP 138.

While local traffic will be allowed access to residences beyond the closure point, motorists are advised to plan alternate routes using the COtrip platform. CDOT has established an incident command center and is actively coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to address the issue promptly and efficiently.

The closure of the US 50 bridge is expected to cause significant inconvenience for commuters traveling between Montrose and Gunnison. As a result, CDOT has recommended two alternate routes. The first option is to take Interstate 70 to the north, covering a distance of 354 miles and requiring approximately six hours of travel time. Alternatively, motorists can opt for US 160 to the south, which is a 331-mile journey taking nearly seven hours.

CDOT is committed to finding solutions that will enhance options for residents, businesses, and travelers on the western slope. The department is currently examining the feasibility of clearing local seasonal routes to reduce the detour time for local travelers, recognizing the impact this closure has on the community.

Travelers are urged to stay informed and plan their trips accordingly by accessing weather forecasts, current road conditions, and travel alerts through COtrip.org. Additionally, the COtrip Planner app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides real-time traffic information for travelers on the go.

Motorists are reminded to exercise caution while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones. Adhering to posted speed limits, staying alert, and being mindful of workers on the road are essential for ensuring everyone's safety. CDOT emphasizes the importance of avoiding distractions such as mobile devices while driving through work zones and encourages the use of headlights, especially at night.

As CDOT continues to assess the safety of the US 50 bridge, updates on interim and permanent fixes will be communicated to the public. The closure area is located east of the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project, which is currently in a planned winter shutdown.

With ongoing efforts to address the safety issues, CDOT aims to minimize disruption and provide a safe and efficient transportation network for the community.