GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The final chapter of a years-long bridge rehabilitation project along U.S. Highway 50 has officially begun, as crews started painting structural steel on the Blue Mesa Reservoir bridges on Monday, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) confirmed.

With major structural upgrades completed last year on both the Middle Bridge and the Lake Fork Bridge, the last stage — protective painting of the newly installed steel — is now underway. The project marks one of the most critical infrastructure upgrades in Western Colorado, affecting one of the busiest cross-mountain routes in the state.

“This is the final touch on a much-needed series of improvements,” said CDOT Region 3 Communications Manager Elise Thatcher. “By applying corrosion-resistant coating, we’re protecting the investment made in these bridges for decades to come.”

Overnight Work to Minimize Disruptions

Painting will occur overnight, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., through mid-July, with CDOT saying the schedule is designed to limit impacts to daytime travelers, especially as summer recreation traffic picks up.

Still, lane closures are expected on both structures, with single-lane alternating traffic and reduced speed limits of 35 mph in effect during active work hours.

Motorists traveling between Gunnison and Montrose — or heading to destinations in and around Curecanti National Recreation Area — are advised to allow extra time and remain cautious in work zones.

“These bridges are vital links for tourism, freight, and everyday commutes,” Thatcher added. “We’re trying to get in, get the job done safely, and get out before peak travel volumes hit.”

Why the Painting Matters

The painting process is not aesthetic — it’s structural.

The new steel components, installed in 2024 to strengthen the decades-old spans, require a high-performance protective coating. This coating shields the metal from moisture, UV radiation, and de-icing chemicals — all factors that accelerate corrosion in Colorado’s high-altitude environment.

“Without proper sealing, steel deteriorates rapidly, especially in freeze-thaw cycles,” said John Lund, a civil engineer based in Montrose County. “Painting is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of these bridges.”

In total, the painting work is expected to preserve the bridge structures for another 20 to 30 years before major maintenance is required again.

Multi-Year Project Nears Completion

The Blue Mesa bridge repairs are part of a broader $40 million U.S. 50 corridor upgrade spearheaded by CDOT in recent years. Much of the focus has been on improving safety, reliability, and lifespan along stretches of highway increasingly stressed by truck traffic, weather extremes, and seasonal surges in recreational use.

The bridges in question — spanning the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water — are not just transport links but also iconic crossings in the scenic Gunnison River Valley.

Key milestones so far have included:

• 2022–2023: Initial inspections, lane closures, and structural prep work.

• 2023–2024: Replacement of aging steel components and deck resurfacing.

• Spring 2025: Launch of final painting phase.

Once the painting is complete, CDOT says the bridges will require only routine maintenance for the foreseeable future.

Local Impact and Recreation Season

Though overnight, the work comes at a time when outdoor recreation is ramping up around the Blue Mesa Reservoir, part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The area is a magnet for boaters, anglers, and campers, especially in late spring and summer.

Businesses in Gunnison and Montrose counties say they are relieved the work is being done now rather than later.

“Had this work gone into August or September, we’d have serious congestion,” said Ryan Calhoun, who operates a boat rental service near Lake Fork Marina. “I appreciate that they’re keeping it to nights — that’s when the fewest people are hauling trailers over the bridges.”

Long-Term Vision for U.S. 50

U.S. Highway 50, often called “The Loneliest Road in America,” runs coast to coast but is far from desolate in Colorado. The stretch from Montrose to Gunnison is a critical corridor for the Western Slope, serving agriculture, tourism, and freight.

The Blue Mesa bridge project is one of several recent initiatives CDOT has prioritized in the region, which include:

• Slope stabilization along Little Blue Creek Canyon.

• Winter safety fencing and avalanche control upgrades.

• Ongoing resurfacing and shoulder expansions in choke points near Sapinero.

With the bridge work concluding, attention may soon shift to longer-term resilience planning, including how the highway copes with increasingly volatile weather and wildfire-related debris flows.

What Drivers Need to Know