Blue Mesa Bridge Emergency Repairs Honored by APWA Colorado Chapter

GUNNISON, CO—The Blue Mesa Bridge Emergency Repairs project has received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter Award for Disaster or Emergency Construction, Repair or Response in the Large Project category. Benesch played a key role in this critical effort to restore one of central Colorado’s most vital transportation links.

In early 2024, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Region 3 selected Benesch to perform in-service inspections on two NSTM two-girder bridges carrying US 50 over the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Benesch’s initial task began with reviewing design plans to locate butt splice welds in tension and transition zones for ultrasonic testing. The team also collaborated with a subcontractor to develop an access plan suited to the unique conditions of the site.

During the initial site visit in April 2024, Benesch identified a defect in a tension flange butt weld, prompting the emergency closure of this major east-west corridor. Following Federal Highway Administration recommendations, CDOT brought in Michael Baker International and Kiewit Corporation as a CMGC team to address the findings. Benesch played a pivotal role in coordinating access strategies to ensure safe and efficient weld testing and daily reporting to inform design decisions.

The project’s complexity was heightened by the implementation of weight restrictions, which limited access options and required constant monitoring. Preparation and testing were conducted around the clock, pausing only for adverse weather. Benesch was responsible for notifying CDOT and Michael Baker International daily about access, methods, and locations, enabling ongoing stress analyses to verify safe working limits.

The emergency repairs were completed by July 2024, and the final phase of construction and full reopening was completed by the end of the year. The project not only restored a critical transportation route for travelers but also incorporated innovative engineering solutions that can benefit future bridge safety efforts.

The project was awarded at the APWA CO 2025 Annual Luncheon on October 21.