Looking for U.S. 50 bridge closure information? Bookmark this page for up-to-date driving directions, business openings and news updates. This page contains information for travelers coming from the west. (Travel to Gunnison and Crested Butte from the east remains unchanged.) Keep reading to learn more about alternate routes and how to get around the closure.

Area businesses are open and appreciate your business during this time!

The bridge between Gunnison and Montrose near Dillon Pinnacles (known as Middle Bridge) has been closed for safety reasons since an inspection in mid-April. The road is closed between mile markers 136 and 138. 

Get the latest updates on the Hwy 50 closure, bridge repair process and alternate routes on the official Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) information page. 

Check the Gunnison County Alert Center prior to your drive for any last-minute news. 

Coming from Grand Junction, Montrose, Telluride or anywhere else west of Gunnison, but can’t take the detours through CR 26 or Kebler Pass? You’ll need to take the detour via I-70. This route takes about six hours. From Montrose, drive west on U.S. Highway 50. In Grand Junction, head east on I-70. At Beaver Creek, turn south on U.S. Highway 24, then take U.S. Highway 50 west over Monarch Pass until you get to Gunnison.

Coming from Denver, the Front Range, Salida or anywhere east of Gunnison? If Gunnison 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.

Need to travel from Gunnison to Montrose, but can’t take the CR 26 or Kebler Pass detours? You’ll need to take the detour via I-70. This route takes about six hours. From Gunnison, drive east over Monarch Pass and turn north on U.S. Highway 24. In Beaver Creek, head west on I-70. Take U.S. Highway 50 east from Grand Junction to Montrose. 

Yes! Kebler Pass, also known as Gunnison County Road 12, is open.

Yes! Cottonwood Pass, also known as Chaffee County Road 306, is open. 

Yes! Monarch Pass is open. The bridge closure does not impact travel to Gunnison and Crested Butte from the east.

Businesses on both sides of the Hwy 50 bridge closure 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.

The following companies who operate near the bridge closure are open for business! Learn more about lodging, camping, guided fishing trips and more.

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

Blue Mesa Reservoir is open everywhere except the area directly adjacent to the Hwy 50 bridge closure. Curecanti National Recreation Area is also open to visitors. Learn more about things to do in and around Colorado’s largest reservoir. 

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

• Colorado Sun: One lane of U.S. 50 could be open by July 4, but only if four critical repairs are completed on schedule
• Colorado Public Radio: Engineers prepping options for Blue Mesa Bridge repair
• Fox 31: U.S. Highway 50 bridge remains closed as community meets in Gunnison

For more Gunnison County travel alerts, including road closures, fire regulations, webcams and emergency notifications, visit our Travel Alerts page.

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.