Delays begin Feb. 4 for CO 145 rock clearing operations between Telluride and Ophir

Travel Advisory

Feb. 3, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists can expect additional delays south of Placerville

San Miguel County — Beginning Feb. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform rock and ditch clearing operations along multiple segments of Colorado Highway 145. On Tuesday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., motorists will encounter full stops, alternating traffic and up to 15 minute delays while crews remove debris from behind the concrete barriers located between Mountain Village and Ophir Road (Mile Points 64 to 65). Delays will continue through Friday as crews complete additional ditch clearing operations on a two-mile segment of highway between Telluride and Placerville (Mile Points 75 to 77).

Routine maintenance operations are necessary to remove excess debris and fallen rock from drainages along the highway. Operations are weather permitting.

Traffic Impacts: Telluride to Rico

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, daytime work hours range from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Traffic impacts include:

  • Motorists should plan for 10 to 15 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • The northbound lane will be closed between Mile Points 64 and 65
  • Expect full stops and alternating traffic
  • Watch for flaggers and signage signaling lane shifts and lane closures
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone

Traffic Impacts: Telluride to Placerville

Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, daytime work hours range from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Traffic impacts include:

  • Motorists should plan for 10 to 15 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • The northbound lane will be closed between Mile Points 75 and 77
  • Expect full stops and alternating traffic
  • Watch for flaggers and signage signaling lane shifts and lane closures
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert Map of CO 145 rock and ditch clearing operations occurring February 4 to 7 along multiple highway sections to the north and south of Telluride. Motorists can expect up to 15 minute delays and alternating traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Maintenance Alert Map of CO 145 rock and ditch clearing operations occurring Feb. 4 to 7 along multiple highway sections to the north and south of Telluride. Motorists can expect up to 15 minute delays and alternating traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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!