GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said on Friday it's bringing in a private sector construction contractor to help repair the U.S. 50 bridge between Gunnison and Montrose that has been closed since April 18 due to safety concerns.
CDOT closed the bridge when crews identified a crack during a special inspection. The bridge crosses Blue Mesa Reservoir at Dillon Pinnacles, and its closures has caused traffic trouble for Gunnison County.
In a news release Friday, CDOT announced it has brought in private contractor Kiewit Infrastructure Co. to support inspection and repairs for the bridge. CDOT said it has put up scaffolding near the center of the bridge to make it safer to work on repairs.
Local access to County Road 26 is still open, but CDOT anticipates that the rain, snow and thunderstorms in the forecast through the remainder of the week could affect inspection operations and the condition of CR 26.
CDOT said crews are continuing their bridge inspection and have identified additional areas of concern since the closure. Ultrasonic testing will help crews determine how severe these concerns are, revealing what defects are below the surface of the steel welds, according to the release.
There's no estimated time for the bridge to reopen.
Commercial vehicles exceeding a 16,001 pounds and any kind of trailer is prohibited on CR 26. Aside from the limited morning and evening commuter hours, the department said, the road will stay closed at all other times for the ongoing restoration work needed to ensure the road remains safe for travel.
Traffic Impacts
- U.S. 50 is closed between Montrose and Gunnison.
- Recommended alternate routes are I-70 to the north or US 160 to the south.
- A limited, local access route is in place for travel in place during the following designated travel times:
- Westbound travel - 6:30 to 7 a.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.
- Eastbound travel - 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS