The impact of the US Hwy 50 Middle Bridge reopening

GUNNISON, Colo. (KJCT) - The US Hwy 50 Middle Bridge has been fully open for a day , and it's the least busy in months.

Both lanes are reopened to traffic, and no pilot cars are guiding anyone on that bridge. It's almost empty compared to what it looked like these past seven months.

According to the Montrose County Emergency Management team, the closure of the middle bridge has been a big stress on local communities and the reopening has had a big impact.

"It has been a huge relief, and there is weight off people's shoulders that commute to Gunnison. We have healthcare workers and other first responders. It leaves a lot of stress off, especially with our agricultural community," said Scott Hawkins, director of Montrose County Emergency Management.

The Lake Fork Bridge, west of the middle bridge heading towards Montrose, is still undergoing repairs. There is alternating traffic, with a pilot car guiding cars over the bridge. That bridge is expected to fully reopen in December.