The bridges on Hwy. 50 between Gunnison and Montrose are now OPEN 24/7 with pilot cars. Learn more here.

U.S. 50 Bridge Information

Middle Bridge on Hwy 50 now open 24/7 to two-way traffic

Looking for U.S. 50 bridge information on your trip to Gunnison or Crested Butte? Bookmark this page for up-to-date driving directions, business openings and news updates for Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge. These two bridges, located on Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, are under construction for safety repairs. Middle Bridge is now back open, but restrictions remain in place for the Lake Fork Bridge. 

This page contains information for travelers coming to Gunnison from the west. Travel to the Gunnison Valley from the east remains unchanged. Keep reading to learn more about the Hwy 50 bridge construction schedule and travel considerations.

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

When is Middle Bridge open?

As of Nov. 13, 2024, the US 50 Middle Bridge is open to two-way traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Middle Bridge is now open to all legal loads.

When is Lake Fork Bridge open?

Lake Fork Bridge is open to alternating one-way traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Expect longer traffic holds at night. The Lake Fork Bridge is open to all legal loads.

Construction on Lake Fork Bridge is expected to finish in December 2024.

State and county info pages

Official CDOT information page

Get the latest updates on the Hwy 50 bridge improvements on the official Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) information page. Learn more about the repair process, and get more details on area travel. 

CDOT Info Page

Gunnison County Alert Center

Check the Gunnison County Hwy 50 bridge closure page prior to your drive for any last-minute news. 

County Bridge Info Page

Why was the U.S. Highway 50 bridge closed?

Middle Bridge was closed for safety reasons during an inspection in mid-April. Construction has been conducted all summer. Final repairs are now being made, and the bridge is now completely open.

Similar safety-related repairs are being conducted on Lake Fork Bridge. Construction is expected to finish in December 2024.

When will the Hwy 50 bridges fully reopen?

Middle Bridge is now fully open. CDOT anticipates the improvements to Lake Fork Bridge will be completed in December 2024.

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

Area travel

Travel to Gunnison from the east is unchanged

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 around the bridges is operating normally. The lake is open to anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Flights to GUC also remain unchanged

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

Mountain passes

Is Kebler Pass open?

Kebler Pass, also known as Gunnison County Road 12, closed for winter on Nov. 25, 2024.

Is Cottonwood Pass open?

Cottonwood Pass, also known as Chaffee County Road 306, closed for winter on Nov. 1, 2024.

Is Monarch Pass open?

Yes! Monarch Pass is open. The Hwy 50 bridge construction does not impact travel to Gunnison and Crested Butte from the east.

Are businesses near Blue Mesa open?

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

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

U.S. 50 bridge closure business and amenity information

Blue Mesa businesses

The following companies who operate near Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge are open for business! Learn more about lodging, camping, guided fishing trips and more.

Things to do at Blue Mesa and Curecanti

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

Fishing

Hiking

Boating

The rim of a canyon in the fall. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado's least visited National Parks.

Is Blue Mesa Reservoir open?

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

Explore Blue Mesa and Curecanti

More Gunnison County travel alerts

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

Travel alerts

Getting to Crested Butte and Gunnison

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.

Book flights and more

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