Lengthy closures begin Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

Dec. 9, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Closures between Silverton and Ouray anticipated to last through late Tuesday afternoon

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform winter maintenance operations on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Beginning at 10 a.m., traffic will be stopped in both directions and the closure is expected to last for much of the day. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure time.

Drivers may consider an alternate route via CO 145 through Lizard Head Pass. This westerly route will add approximately one hour of additional driving time, taking approximately three hours to travel between Durango and Ridgway (approximately 150 miles).

  • US 160 Durango to Mancos
  • CO 184 Mancos to Dolores
  • CO 145 Dolores to Placerville
  • CO 62 Placerville to Ridgway

Traffic Impacts

US 550 closure begins Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. No estimated time of reopening.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure four miles north of Silverton near Ophir Pass Road (Mile Point 75)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure fourteen miles south of Ouray at Chattanooga Mine (Mile Point 79)
  • Do not attempt to bypass the closure gates

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

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the Dec. 10 closure on US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the Dec. 10 closure on US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.

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!