Lengthy closures will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

Dec. 27, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - CDOT maintenance teams perform safety-critical operations between Ouray and Silverton

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform winter maintenance operations on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 a.m. Operations will require a full closure for much of the morning and there is no estimated time of reopening.

Closure times are not exact and may be extended depending on successful maintenance operations and weather conditions. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure times.

Traffic Impacts

  • Winter maintenance operations are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 a.m.
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure near Ironton Park (Mile Point 87)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Bridge (Mile Point 90.5)
  • Motorists will be guided by flaggers through the closure points

Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

Highway Closure Alert Map - Dec. 28 closure on US 550 Red Mountain pass between Silverton and Ouray
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the Dec. 28 closure on US 550 Red Mountain pass between Silverton and Ouray while crews perform winter maintenance operations.

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!