Blue Mesa Emergency Bridge Repairs

Emergency repairs to the Middle Bridge and Lake Fork Bridge on US 50 over Blue Mesa Reservoir restored a critical transportation corridor after an inspection revealed safety-critical weld defects and stress cracking. The findings led to the immediate closure of the Middle Bridge and required a rapid response to restore safe travel across the region.

Benesch was engaged by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to perform in-depth inspections of both bridges. The team conducted non-destructive testing and worked closely with project partners to evaluate structural conditions, identify critical repair locations and support the development of repair strategies.

Repairs were carried out in phases to restore access as quickly as possible while maintaining safety. Initial work addressed critical deficiencies to allow limited traffic to return, followed by permanent repairs to fully restore structural capacity.

The project included the installation of steel plating to strengthen compromised areas and arrest cracking, with approximately 410 tons of plate steel and more than 50,000 bolts installed to reinforce the existing structures.

The project was delivered on an accelerated schedule using a collaborative approach that allowed inspection, design and construction activities to occur concurrently. Despite challenging site conditions, including high winds, limited access and a remote location, crews worked continuously to reduce the duration of the closure and minimize impacts to the traveling public.

The completed repairs restored a vital transportation route, improved structural reliability and extended the service life of both bridges.