Expect closures on several mountain passes Monday morning while crews perform maintenance

Winter Travel Alert

January 15, 2022 - Southwestern Colorado - CDOT will perform winter maintenance operations on several mountain passes in southwest Colorado on Monday, Jan. 16.

CDOT will perform winter maintenance operations on several mountain passes in southwest Colorado tomorrow, Mon., Jan. 16. These operations will require highway closures. Do not attempt to bypass closed gates.

  • US 160 Wolf Creek Pass - Closure begins at 6 a.m. Westbound traffic will be stopped near the pass summit, west of the ski area (MP 169). Eastbound traffic will be stopped at Treasure Falls (MP 160).
  • US 550 Coal Bank Pass - Closure begins at 7 a.m. Northbound traffic will be stopped near Cascade Creek (MP 52). Southbound traffic will be stopped near Molas Pass summit and Andrews Lake (MP 63).
  • CO 145 Lizard Head Pass - Closure begins at 8 a.m. Northbound traffic will be stopped just north of Rico (MP 49). Southbound traffic will be stopped near Trout Lake (MP 61).

The exact times of opening the highways are not known and the closures may last for much of the morning. Regional travelers should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the gates before the designated closure times. Visit www.COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

Other mountain passes will likely require maintenance operations over the next few days, but closure dates and times have yet to be determined.

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!