Adverse winter conditions prompt early afternoon closures on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

March 6, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation closed US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. A natural slide that crossed US 550 Red Mountain Pass earlier today, along with increasingly adverse weather conditions, is prompting immediate closures to allow for safety-critical winter maintenance operations. Motorists can expect intermittent highway closures lasting upwards of 30 minutes or more for most of the afternoon.

The previously scheduled 5 p.m. closure has been canceled.

Closure times are approximate as the length of delays depends on various factors including successful snow removal operations and severity of avalanche danger. Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

Traffic Impacts

US 550 closure began Thursday at 2:15 p.m. (March 6), no exact time of reopening.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately ten miles north of Silverton near the summit of Red Mountain Pass (Mile Point 81)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately ten miles south of Ouray near the Idarado Mine (Mile Point 82)
  • Traffic will be guided through the closure points by flaggers

CDOT personnel responded to a natural slide path on US 550 Red Mountain Pass on Thursday, March 6 at approximately 11:30 a.m. US 550 was closed for 90 minutes while crews worked swiftly to clear snow. Two vehicles were caught in the slide. No injuries were reported.

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert map US 550 between Silverton and Ouray March 6, 2025 at 2:15 p.m.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the March 6 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!