US 550 safety closure includes all three mountain passes, from Purgatory to Ouray

Winter Travel Alert

January 17, 2023 - Southwest Colorado - Closure planned tomorrow morning, Jan. 18, for US 160 Wolf Creek Pass

US 550 north of Durango
US 550 Coal Bank and Molas passes between Purgatory and Silverton have been closed to ensure safety for motorists. The safety closure was implemented at 11 a.m. today due to adverse weather and high avalanche danger. It is not known when the corridor will reopen. Northbound travelers will encounter a closed gate just north of Purgatory, near Cascade Creek (MP 52). Southbound travelers will encounter a closed gate at Silverton (MP 70). Do not attempt to bypass the closed gates.

US 160 Wolf Creek Pass east of Pagosa Springs
US 160 Wolf Creek Pass will close tomorrow morning (Wed., Jan. 18) at 6 a.m. so that crews can perform winter maintenance operations. Westbound traffic will be stopped just west of the ski area at the pass summit (MP 167) and eastbound traffic will be stopped near Treasure Falls (MP 157). Do not attempt to bypass the closed gates. Maintenance operations will last for much of the morning, the exact time of reopening the highway is not known.

With the prolonged storm system expected to remain in the area, travelers should be aware that additional maintenance work and safety closures may be implemented on many southwest Colorado highways over the next few days. Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

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:

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