Blue Mesa Reservoir bridge cracking closes part of U.S. 50

On Thursday afternoon, the Colorado Department of Transportation made the decision to indefinitely close U.S. 50 between Montrose and Gunnison due to the discovery of cracking on a bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir. This closure has resulted in detours of up to seven hours for drivers in the area.

The closure was prompted after state and federal transportation officials identified issues with the bridge during a safety inspection. The inspection was necessary as a result of concerns regarding similar high-strength steel bridges in other parts of the country. As a precautionary measure, the Federal Highway Administration and state bridge engineering experts recommended the closure of U.S. 50.

Local residents are being permitted through the closure, but other drivers have been advised to take lengthy detours. The suggested routes include a six-hour, 354-mile detour north via I-70 or a seven-hour, 331-mile detour north via U.S. 160. These alternative routes have added considerable travel time for those commuting between Montrose and Gunnison.

In response to the closure, state and local officials are exploring both temporary and permanent solutions for the bridge. Additionally, there are discussions about clearing seasonal routes to help reduce detour times for local travelers. The Colorado Department of Transportation is working diligently to address the situation and minimize the inconvenience for residents and commuters in the area.

Initially, Colorado State Patrol officials indicated that the bridge closure would extend through Friday. However, there has been a recent clarification from the agency and state transportation officials confirming that U.S. 50 will remain closed indefinitely until further notice. The safety and well-being of drivers are top priorities, and thorough assessments are being conducted to determine the next steps for the affected bridge.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and stay informed about any developments regarding the closure of U.S. 50. For more Colorado news updates, interested individuals can sign up for the Mile High Roundup email newsletter.

Written by staticwire