CDOT to perform winter maintenance operations on CO 145 Lizard Head Pass

Travel Advisory

Jan. 20, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for lengthy delays on Jan. 21 beginning at noon

Dolores & San Miguel Counties — On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations on Colorado Highway 145 between Rico and Telluride. Beginning at noon, motorists can expect lengthy delays approximately nine miles north of Rico and 10 miles south of Telluride (Mile Points 56 to 61). Flaggers will guide motorists through the closure points intermittently between mitigation efforts.

Operations are expected to last for much of the afternoon and delays may be extended depending on successful maintenance operations. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure times.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Jan. 21 at noon, motorists will encounter length delays between Dolores and Telluride.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure nine miles north of Rico (Mile Point 56)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at Trout Lake (Mile Point 61)
  • Motorists will be intermittently guided by flaggers through the closure points
Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Alert Map of lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations on CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, between Rico and Telluride, from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 21.
Winter Maintenance Alert Map of lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations on CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, between Rico and Telluride, from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 21.

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!

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