Lengthy closures begin today on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

September 13, 2021 - Southwestern Colorado - Power line reconstruction work will require morning and afternoon road closures

Southwest Colorado — Beginning today, travelers will encounter lengthy weekday road closures on US 550 Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray from Sept. 13 to 24. The closures will allow for helicopter operations and other work associated with a power line reconstruction project by the San Miguel Power Association. 

The closure points are located at milepoint 87 (Crystal Lake/Ironton park) and MP 92 (just south of Ouray). During these significant closures, travelers may seek the alternate westerly route via US 160, CO 145 and CO 62 (through Mancos, Dolores, Telluride and Ridgway).

Travel Impacts 

Significant, lengthy closures in the mornings and afternoons, weekdays for the next two weeks. This work schedule may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other emergency circumstances. US 550 Red Mountain Pass will not be closed during the evenings or weekends.

  • Monday to Thursday, Sept. 13 to 16
    • Road closed:  8:30 a.m. to noon
    • Road open:  noon to 1 p.m.
    • Road closed:  1 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 17
    • Road closed:  8:30 a.m. to noon
    • Road open:  noon to 1 p.m.
    • Road closed:  1 to 4 p.m.
  • Monday to Friday, Sept. 20 to 24
    • Road closed:  8:30 a.m. to noon
    • Road open:  noon to 1 p.m.
    • Road closed:  1 to 5:30 p.m.

Visit forest service websites or contact the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests and the San Juan National Forest for information about potential closures of forest roads and trailheads on public lands.  

Stay Informed About this Project  

  • Project flyer: Utility Work Public Notice
  • San Miguel Power Association Media Contact: Alex Shelley, 970-209-5593 
  • Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests: www.fs.usda.gov/gmug
  • San Juan National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan   

Know Before You Go

Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road.