US 550 Red Mountain Pass to close at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19

Travel Advisory

March 19, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Expect lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform winter maintenance operations on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton on Wednesday morning. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., motorists can expect intermittent highway closures lasting upwards of 30 minutes or more for much of the morning. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or seek alternate routes.

Closure times are approximate as the length of delays depends on various factors including successful snow removal operations and severity of avalanche danger.

Traffic Impacts

US 550 closure begins Wednesday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m., 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 at Bear Creek Bridge, approximately 2 miles south of Ouray (Mile Point 90)
  • Traffic will be guided through the closure points by flaggers

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

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the March 19 closure on US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.
Highway Closure Alert Map of the March 19 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:

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