GUNNISON, Colo. (KREX) — In mid-April, CDOT abruptly closed a bridge crossing over Blue Mesa Reservoir and connecting Montrose and Gunnison after finding a concerning crack in the steel.
Upon further sonar inspection, the crack turned out to be much bigger than what appeared on the surface. Later on, crews then found a second crack.
Now, Kebler Pass is fully open, and County Road 26 is open at certain times to serve as alternative routes, but the bridge remains closed to all traffic.
Finally, an end is near…and a game plan is in place.
The crack originated in the now outdated T1 steel used in the bridge, which was built way back in the 1960s. But now, WesternSlopeNow is told that's not the only problem - the welds are too.
Region 3 CDOT Program Engineer Rob Beck tells WesternSlopeNow four to six giant, 9,000-pound steel slabs are the solution - they'll be lowered over the edge of the bridge and then flipped over to go on the bottom of the bridge.
Region 3 CDOT Transportation Director Jason Smith says crews have been shaving off the paint at the contact points in preparation.
And finally, the big question now has an answer…the bridge will be open by July Fourth.