U.S. 50 Bridge Information

Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge on Hwy 50 now open

Looking for U.S. 50 bridge information on your trip to Gunnison or Crested Butte? These two bridges, located on Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, went under construction for safety repairs in 2024. As of Dec. 6, 2024, both Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge are fully open. Blue Mesa Reservoir and local businesses are welcoming visitors!

When is Middle Bridge open?

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

When is Lake Fork Bridge open?

As of Dec. 6, 2024, Lake Fork Bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to all legal loads.

State bridge info page

Official CDOT information page

Learn more about the completed Hwy 50 bridge improvements on the official Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) information page. 

CDOT Info Page

Why were the U.S. Highway 50 bridges closed?

Middle Bridge was closed for safety reasons during an inspection in mid-April. Construction has been conducted in 2024. The bridge is now completely open.

Similar safety-related repairs were conducted on Lake Fork Bridge. The bridge re-opened in December 2024.

When will the Hwy 50 bridges fully reopen?

Both bridges are now fully open.

Check the official CDOT information page linked above for further updates.

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:

  • Hire a fishing guide for a chance to catch one of Blue Mesa’s famously huge lake trout. In winter, try your hand at ice fishing.
  • Rent a pontoon boat for a day
  • 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 completely open. 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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