New Red Mountain Pass Closures set for Dec. 11-14
SOUTHWEST COLORADO—From Tuesday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 13, travelers on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass can expect closures and delays near the Ruby Walls area just south of Ouray. Work dates are subject to change due to inclement weather, and work could be postponed to the next available clear weather day.
Travel Impacts
7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Wednesday, Dec. 12:
US 550 Red Mountain Pass will be closed to both directions of traffic.
- Motorists will have a one-hour window from noon to 1 p.m. to travel through the work zone.
- Southbound traffic will be stopped just south of Ouray, near the Bear Creek scenic overlook.
- Northbound traffic will be stopped at Ironton, just north of Red Mountain summit.
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13:
US 550 Red Mountain Pass will be closed in both directions as San Miguel Power Company places a crane on the highway to re-attach downed electrical lines.
- Northbound travelers from Durango can reach Silverton.
- Southbound travelers from Ridgway can reach Ouray.
- However, motorists traveling from Durango to Ouray (or Ouray to Durango) may consider the alternate, more westerly route via CO Highway 145 through Telluride.
Project Info
Crews are repairing the draped netting that hangs on the face of the cliff wall, which traps falling rocks. Additionally, new supplemental netting and fencing are being installed to increase the capacity for debris and prevent rocks from falling onto the highway.
