Maintenance underway next week on US 550

Travel Advisory

November 9, 2023 - Southwestern Colorado - Travelers will encounter some delays between Durango and Ridgway

Southwest Colorado — Beginning November 13, Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be performing multiple operations on the Million Dollar Highway (US 550 between Durango and Ridgway). Work will include sealing of cracks in the pavement, pothole patching and erosion control. Travelers will encounter some delays through Friday, November 17 at the below locations:

US 550, MP 35 to 50 (Hermosa to Purgatory): Crews will continue to perform month long surface treatment operations to repair major cracks and potholes.

US 550, MP 86 to 88 (Ironton to Ouray): Crack sealing operations will take place approximately 5-miles south of Ouray.

US 550, MP 95 to 97 (North of Ouray): Crews will work to clean and reinforce the ditches along a 2-mile section of highway just north of Ouray. This 2-day operation will take place Nov., 15 to 17.

CDOT crews will work as swiftly as possible to complete the road repairs; however operations are weather dependent.

US 550 maintenance map
Map of maintenance operations taking place next week on US 550 between Durango and Ridgway.

Traffic Impacts

Operations will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

  • Motorists should plan for 10 to 15 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by signs, cones and flagging personnel
  • Drivers should slow down and use extreme caution when approaching and driving through the work zone
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones

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!