Transportation officials in Colorado are currently assessing the safety of a bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest reservoir in the state, after a significant crack measuring 3-4 inches was discovered along a steel beam. The bridge, located on U.S. 50, was closed on Thursday evening at the recommendation of federal highway officials. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that no traffic, including emergency vehicles, is permitted to cross the bridge until further notice.

CDOT engineers emphasized the need for additional inspections to fully understand the extent of the bridge's defects before determining a timeline for reopening. Keith Stefanik, a CDOT engineer, emphasized that their priority is to comprehend the nature and severity of the anomalies. Governor Jared Polis has been in communication with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg regarding this closure, seeking assistance and expeditious resolution.

CDOT Director Shoshanna Lew emphasized the significance of the closure, highlighting the lack of available alternative routes for emergency services and local traffic, with detours stretching up to 300 miles and taking as long as six to seven hours. "It is a matter of national conversation," Lew stated, indicating the importance of inspecting and addressing similar issues with bridges nationwide.

The crack was discovered during a routine inspection mandated by the Federal Highway Administration for high-strength steel bridges. The inspectors initially noticed a "rusted line," which prompted the scraping off of paint and removal of rust. This revealed the crack, raising concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge and leading CDOT to shut it down entirely.

Crews performed ultrasonic testing to confirm that the crack extended inside the steel rather than being superficial. Inspectors are currently on-site but are unable to access the bridge until it is declared safe. Their focus will be on examining three taller spans located near the middle of the bridge.

As repairs will depend on the severity of the defects and the appropriate repair methods, CDOT has not provided details about the specific repair plan for the bridge, which was constructed in 1963. In the meantime, CDOT is also inspecting another steel bridge approximately two miles west of the Blue Mesa Reservoir bridge.

Efforts are underway to clear seasonal routes, including gravel or dirt roads, to accommodate emergency vehicles and local traffic. However, CDOT acknowledges that significant traffic on these alternative routes may still pose additional challenges.

Commuters traveling between Montrose and Gunnison will face significant detours as a result of the bridge closure. CDOT has suggested two alternative routes: Interstate 70, which spans 354 miles and takes approximately six hours, or U.S. 160, which covers 331 miles and requires roughly seven hours of travel time.

CDOT has assured the public that they are treating this closure as a significant event, not only due to its impact on the immediate counties involved but also on all travelers passing through the area. They are committed to addressing the situation with utmost seriousness and ensuring public safety.