On Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced a plan to repair a section of U.S. Highway 50 over Blue Mesa Reservoir in Montrose, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties.
The bridge was closed to traffic a month ago when safety concerns arose.
According to CDOT, the plan is to repair areas that pose an “imminent” risk to structural integrity. The goal of phase 1 repairs will be to safely expedite emergency vehicles and lighter loads on the bridge until permanent repairs are made.
Completion of phase 1 will be dependent on factors such as weather. CDOT’s goal is to allow limited vehicle traffic on the bridge by July 4.
Last month, an inspection found a 3-inch crack in the bridge along with some buckled parts. The lieutenant governor declared a disaster emergency and an emergency request for $10 million in repair funds was granted by the Transportation Commission of Colorado.
When the first phase of reopening happens, trucks and larger commercial vehicles will be restricted from crossing the bridge.
CDOT wants to have the bridge fully reopened in the fall.
According to CDOT, the second phase of repairs “requires more time to complete and can be performed safely in between in-service traffic openings on the bridge.”
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Source: CBS, 9 News
