The bridge between Gunnison and Montrose near Dillon Pinnacles (known as Middle Bridge) opens to alternating traffic starting 6:30 a.m. on July 3. For the long Fourth of July weekend, one lane will be open on the bridge, and pilot cars, at slow speeds, will lead single-direction traffic between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Sunday, July 7. After the long holiday weekend, beginning Monday, July 8, the bridge will be open, and pilot cars will lead single-direction traffic each day from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Lake Fork Bridge is open. 

CDOT anticipates the project will be completed in fall 2024. At the completion of the permanent repairs, full loads will be allowed on the bridge.

Bookmark this page or check the official CDOT information page linked above to stay updated.

Gunnison County Road 26 (the Lake City cutoff road) opens multiple times a day to local public travel in both directions between Gunnison and Montrose. “Local public travel” refers to travel related to medical visits, commuting for work, visiting the area, and for residents who live on either side of the road closure. Expect a delay of about an hour.

Visit the CDOT U.S. 50 bridge improvements information page for a schedule of daily travel windows and vehicle size restrictions.

Gunnison County Road 12 over Kebler Pass is now open. Kebler Pass begins on the east side of U.S. Highway 133 near Somerset and ends in downtown Crested Butte. The road is mostly unpaved but is suitable for all passenger vehicles. See the graphic below for Kebler Pass weight and length restrictions.

Coming from Denver, the Front Range, Salida or anywhere east of Gunnison? If Gunnison or Crested Butte is your destination, the route is unchanged. Monarch Pass and Cottonwood Pass are open, and Gunnison remains fully accessible from the east. Blue Mesa Reservoir east of the bridge closure is operating normally and open to anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Flying to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport this summer? The airport, located in Gunnison, is not affected by the Hwy 50 bridge closure. 

Businesses on both sides of the Hwy 50 bridge remain open! These businesses appreciate any support you can give during this difficult time.

Please note that in addition to the businesses listed on this map, Arrowhead Lodge (west of the closure) is also open.

Explore Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water! Here are a few ideas for things to do at Blue Mesa:

• Rent a pontoon boat for a day
• Hire a fishing guide for a chance to catch one of Blue Mesa’s famously huge lake trout
• Explore the scenic, rocky shoreline from a stand-up paddleboard
• Venture deep into a rocky canyon on Curecanti Creek hiking trail
• Stay in a quaint cabin or campsite on the lakeshore
• Take advantage of a breezy day to go sailing

Read the following articles for more information on the Hwy 50 closure, bridge inspection and planned repairs.

• Colorado Public Radio: Bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir slated to reopen July 3, after being closed more than two months
• Colorado Sun: One lane of U.S. 50 could be open by July 4, but only if four critical repairs are completed on schedule

Whether you’re getting to the Gunnison Valley via plane, bus or car, all the travel tips you need can be found on our Getting Here page.