US 550 Red Mountain Pass to close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6

Travel Advisory

March 6, 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 late Thursday afternoon. Beginning at 5 p.m., motorists can expect intermittent highway closures lasting upwards of 30 minutes or more for most of the evening. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure time.

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

Traffic Impacts

US 550 closure begins Thursday, March 6 at 5 p.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 approximately ten miles south of Ouray near the Idarado Mine (Mile Point 82)
  • 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 6 closure on US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.
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!