Lengthy closures begin Feb. 21 at 8 a.m. on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

Feb. 20, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Parking alongside the highway will not be permitted during this Friday's winter maintenance operations

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Ironton, on Friday, Feb. 21. Beginning at 8 a.m., traffic will be stopped in both directions (Mile Points 87 to 91) and the closure is expected to last for much of the morning with no estimated time of opening. For the safety of the traveling public and backcountry users, CDOT officials are not allowing parking within the work zone, including any access roads or pullouts beside US 550. Backcountry users must move their vehicles and vacate the area before work begins at 8 a.m.

Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure time.

Traffic Impacts

US 550 closure begins Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 a.m. No estimated time of reopening.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure north of Ironton Park (Mile Point 87)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure south of Ouray (Mile Point 91)
  • No parking at any pullouts or access roads within the closure area. Parking near Ironton Park Nordic Area will remain open
  • Do not attempt to bypass the closure gates

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

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

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 closure occurring at 8 a.m. on US 550 Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Ironton. No parking in the closure zone during safety-critical winter maintenance operations.
Highway Closure Alert Map of the Friday, Feb. 21 closure occurring at 8 a.m. on US 550 Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Ironton. No parking in the closure zone during safety-critical 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!