Western Express Sec. 4, map 51, BRIDGE CLOSED, NO DETOUR, 2024

[amywally]

The US 50 bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir on map 51 is closed due to structural concerns. There are no detours around the closure less than 300 miles. There is currently no estimated time of reopening. See https://www.codot.gov/news/media for more information.

[John Nettles]

For those who are able to handle some decent gravel and higher altitude, here is an alternate that will be available once the snow clears on Keebler Pass, around early June.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46537780

I have ridden much of this beautiful route but it is a workout.

Whatever route you take, you should expect increased traffic, especially commercial traffic, RV, or trailers due to the closure.
Tailwinds, John

[jamawani]

Kebler Pass Road isn't too bad. Done it a few times.

Maintained by Gunnison County - usually opens by Memorial Day.
Colorado DOT has offered to help open it sooner.
BUT - - - that means it will end up having way more traffic than usual.
Hwy 135 from Crested Butte to Gunnison has shoulders most of the way but is really busy.
Add the additional traffic and you may not have time to smell the columbines.

Creasted Butte is charming, but mobbed with upscale tourists. Like Aspen or Jackson.
From Kebler Pass there is an alternate route to Gunnison via Ohio Pass.
I've done both and the Ohio Pass route is lovely - if you wish to skip Crested.

USFS and county roads, unpaved until you get down into the valley.
But well maintained once open - after Memorial Day.

Pix - westbound
1. Heading Up thru the Aspens
2. Ohio Pass
3. West Elk Mountains

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46545966

[John Nettles]

I agree with all you said.  I just routed through Crested Butte due to it would have been 46 miles since decent services (mostly climbing) and figured the 67 miles without services using your quieter route might have been too much for most. 
Hopefully, CDOT will have a way either allow bikes to cross the bridge (would be great since the road would be very quiet) or transport them in the pilot cars.

Tailwinds, John

[jamawani]

Kebler Pass opened today - May 31st - at 4:00p.
It is a through gravel county highway,
but it is likely to have more traffic than it can handle.
Still, it is the best alternative until US 50 reopens.

https://gunnisoncounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/14292/Kebler-Pass-Opens-Plus

[amywally]

Update from the US 50 Emergency Repairs communication team:

US 50 bridge is opening to bicycles two times each day, between 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.