Gunnison, CO, USA
In mid-2024, Portland Bolt supplied critical fasteners for the Blue Mesa Bridge Project in Gunnison, Colorado. The repair and reopening of the Blue Mesa bridges in Gunnison, Colorado has been a significant project for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). After the bridges closed on April 18 due to safety concerns following the discovery of cracks during an inspection, CDOT worked tirelessly to restore the structure. The repair process included the installation of 250 tons of steel plate and more than 25,000 structural bolts to ensure the bridge’s stability. The steel plates, each weighing around 9,000 pounds and measuring 23 feet long, 2 ½ feet wide, and 2 ½ inches thick, were crucial in reinforcing the bridge.
As part of the project, just under 150,000 lbs. of structural bolts with ROCAPs, all thread rod, and pairing hardware were shipped to the site for use in the bridge repairs. The job site opted out of using hot-dip galvanized bolts, so everything shipped to the site was a plain steel finish. Portland Bolt was able to accommodate the supplemental requirement of the rotational capacity tests that CDOT required for the emergency repair project.
These fasteners were vital in securing the steel plates and maintaining the structure’s integrity. The shipments had to meet the project’s demanding timelines, and the team worked diligently to ensure the bolts were delivered on time, helping to facilitate a quick turnaround for the repair work.
Thanks to efficient logistics and preparation, CDOT successfully reopened the US 50 Middle Bridge to two-way travel on November 13, ahead of the winter shutdown. Flagging and pilot car operations were lifted, and both lanes of the bridge were made available for travel, while the US 50 Lake Fork Bridge remains restricted to one lane with work expected to finish by December, the timely repair of the Middle Bridge was a critical milestone in improving transportation for the southwest Colorado community.