GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (May 13, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has entered the final phase of its multi-year U.S. Highway 50 bridge improvement initiative, with overnight painting operations now underway on key structures near Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Work began Monday on the middle bridge and Lake Fork Bridge, where new steel components were installed in 2024 as part of a critical infrastructure upgrade. The painting phase, designed to seal and protect the new structural steel, is scheduled for completion by July.
Crews will operate nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., minimizing daytime disruptions while ensuring safety and efficiency during low-traffic hours.
Minimal Disruptions Expected for Drivers
Motorists traveling through the area should expect temporary lane reductions to a single lane on both bridges and speed limits lowered to 35 mph during work hours. CDOT emphasized that while the traffic impacts will be minimal, drivers should remain alert and plan for minor delays.
“This is the final push in a multi-stage effort to extend the lifespan of key bridges in our western Colorado network,” CDOT said in a statement. “The painting will ensure long-term durability against weather and corrosion.”
The U.S. 50 corridor through Gunnison County is a vital route connecting western Colorado communities and tourism destinations, including the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The project is part of CDOT’s broader investment in rural infrastructure resilience and modernization.
