US 550 overnight closure scheduled Dec. 16 south of Ouray

Travel Advisory

Southwest Colorado - The Colorado Department of Transportation will require a full closure beginning Tuesday, Dec. 16 at midnight on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton (Mile Points 71 to 92). The highway is expected to reopen to motorists at approximately 8 a.m., Tuesday morning. The overnight closure is necessary to provide ample room for heavy equipment while crews push snow from the highway shoulder and clean ditches.

Beginning Dec. 12, additional daytime snow removal and ditch clearing operations will occur on US 550 between Purgatory Ski Area and Silverton and CO 145 between Telluride and Rico. Motorists can expect up to 15-minute delays and alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel to continue through Dec. 19.

US 550 Red Mountain Pass Nighttime Closure (Dec. 16)

On Dec. 16 between midnight and 8 a.m., motorists will encounter full stops in both directions between Silverton and Ouray. Traffic impacts will include:

• Northbound travelers will encounter a closure just north of Silverton (MP 71)
• Southbound travelers will encounter a closure just south of Ouray (MP 92)
• Do not attempt to bypass the closure gates

US 550 & CO 145 Daytime Delays (Dec. 12 to 19)

Dec. 12 to 19, motorists will encounter maintenance operations on US 550 south of Silverton and CO 145 south of Telluride. Traffic impacts will include:

• Working hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Motorists can expect full stops and alternating traffic. Traffic delays up to 15 minutes should be expected
• Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone. Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zones, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles, and give themselves extra travel time

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!