Multiple mountain passes to remain closed in Southwest Colorado

Travel Advisory

February 22, 2023 - Southwestern Colorado - CO 145, US 160, & US 550 closures will remain in place through Thursday due to safety concerns

Southwest Colorado — On Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, 2023, the Colorado Department of Transportation closed multiple highways due to low visibility and safety concerns. Many of the mountain corridors will remain closed throughout the night with the possibility of closures extending into much of Thursday. CDOT is continuing to monitor safety concerns including avalanche danger along southwest and south-central mountain passes. 

Travelers should be aware that additional highway closures may occur across the region due to hazardous conditions. Closures are reported on COtrip.org along with current road conditions.

Confirmed closures to remain in effect through Thursday, Feb., 23 include:

  • CO 145 Lizard Head Pass (MP 48 - MP 61), between Rico and Trout Lake
  • US 160 Wolf Creek Pass (MP 157- MP 184), between Pagosa Springs and South Fork
  • US 550 Mountain Corridor (MP 48- 95), between Durango and Ouray

Other passes currently closed, with no estimated time of opening include:

  • US 285 Poncha Pass
  • CO 17 Cumbres-La Manga Passes

CDOT urges motorists to postpone travel plans for the extent of this storm system as treacherous conditions are being reported throughout southwest and south-central Colorado.

A sampling of COtrip.org web cameras from late Wednesday afternoon shows poor visibility and winter weather conditions on highways across the region.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!