Cascade Curve on US 550 is receiving a permanent guardrail beginning September 3

Travel Advisory

August 26, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Following the holiday weekend, a temporary traffic signal will direct one-way traffic
Bo Dean's Towing recovered the wreckage of a semi truck that had crashed
CDOT Photo | On April 18, CDOT crews closed US 550, north of Purgatory ski area while Bo Dean's Towing recovered the wreckage of a semi truck that had crashed a day prior. Since April 2024, two semi-trucks have crashed on US 550 at Cascade Curve.

La Plata County - The Colorado Department of Transportation with prime contractor Myers and Sons, will begin a project in early September on US Highway 550, slated to improve safety at the Cascade Curve, two miles north of Purgatory ski area and 26 miles north of Durango. The work will replace the existing guardrail with a larger permanent concrete barrier that is anchored to the highway. The barrier will also wrap around onto US Forest Service Road 783, which provides access for residents and trail users of Cascade Creek. Improving drainage in the area is an additional benefit of the project.

US 550 between Durango and Ouray attracts visitors who are not always familiar with mountain driving.

“The improvements will create safer travel for first-time visitors or our local residents who frequent this highway,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “The Cascade Curve has a steep downhill grade when traveling southbound. Due to ongoing crashes, especially with commercial semi trucks, extra safety measures are needed.”

Permanent concrete guardrails can operate to deflect a vehicle back onto the roadway, slow the vehicle down to a complete stop, or slow the vehicle down and then allow the driver to proceed past the guardrail.

Traffic Impacts

Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with potential weekend work. Traffic impacts from September through early November (project completion) will include:

  • Reduced speeds and full stops guided by a portable traffic signal
  • One-lane alternating traffic and brief delays
  • The light signal will control traffic 24-7
US 550 over Cascade Creek Project Location Map
Colorado Department of Transportation project map of work located on US 550 over Cascade Creek (Cascade Curve), approximately 26 miles north of Durango.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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!