CDOT performs US 550 shoulder work north of Hermosa

Travel Advisory

September 3, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for brief delays beginning tomorrow at 9 a.m.

La Plata County - Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will complete one-day ditch clearing operations along a one mile segment of US Highway 550, from Honeyville to Hermosa. Operations to clear rocks and debris from recent flooding events will require full stops and lane closures. Motorists traveling between Purgatory ski area and Durango should plan for 10 to 15 minute delays and one-lane alternating traffic between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Crews will work swiftly to complete operations however, work is weather permitting.

Traffic Impacts

On Sept. 4, daytime work hours range from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and traffic impacts include:

Motorists can expect alternating traffic and up to 15 minute delays
Vehicles will be guided by 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

Map of ditch clearing operations on US Highway 550 between Honeyville and Hermosa — Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert Map of ditch clearing operations taking place September 4 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on US Highway 550 between Honeyville and Hermosa.

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:

Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org
Chain and traction law information: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Weather forecasts: www.weather.gov
Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us

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!