Lengthy delays on US 550 between Ouray and Silverton begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3

Travel Advisory

Dec. 2, 2024 - Southwest Colorado - Maintenance crews perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations on Red Mountain Pass

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation has scheduled safety-critical winter maintenance operations Tuesday on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass, between Ouray and Silverton. Beginning at 11 a.m., motorists can expect intermittent highway closures lasting upwards of 30 minutes or more for most of the day.

Closure times are approximate as the length of delays depend on various factors including successful snow removal operations and severity of avalanche danger.

Traffic Impacts

Both southbound and northbound motorists will encounter full stops and lengthy wait times. Motorists are urged to allow for extra travel time.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure near the summit of Red Mountain Pass, Mile Point 80
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure near the Idorado Mine, MP 82
  • Motorists will be guided by flaggers through the closure points

Travelers are urged to check COtrip.org for the most current highway updates.

Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Alert map of full stops and lenghty wait times for most of the day beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 between Ouray and Silverton.
Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Alert map of full stops and lenghty wait times for most of the day beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 between Ouray and Silverton.

Avalanche Forecast Information

Backcountry users are urged to check avalanche conditions at CAIC website: www.avalanche.state.co.us.

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!