CDOT continues flood clean-up on multiple southwest highways

CDOT continues flood clean-up on multiple southwest highways Aug. 6, 2026 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for delays on CO 145 and US 550 https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/august2026news/flood-clean-up-continues-on-southwest-highways https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png

Travel Advisory

Aug. 6, 2026 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for delays on CO 145 and US 550

CDOT Photo: On July 29, severe flooding from monsoon storms impacted Cutler Creek with burn scar debris, approximately four miles north of Ouray. CDOT performs ongoing clean-up operations at the bridge structure which require a specialized excavator attachment to be fabricated in order to access and remove large logs from underneath the bridge structure.

Ouray & San Miguel Counties - Three weeks after severe flooding events, the Colorado Department of Transportation continues maintenance operations to remove debris and clean drainages at several slide paths and creek crossings. Motorists will encounter delays and alternating traffic while crews repair and clean highway shoulders, drainages and culverts.

As monsoon weather patterns remain in the forecast, CDOT crews are prepared to monitor and respond to flooding hazards. Motorists are reminded that safety closures may be put in place to protect motorists from the potential of flash floods, mudslides, rockfall or other hazards that can be triggered by heavy rains especially in burn scar areas.

Check the latest road conditions and traffic impacts on COtrip.org or on the COtrip Planner app.

US 550 Ouray to Ridgway

Beginning Monday, August 10 crews will perform week-long operations to remove remaining burn scar debris from underneath the Cutler Creek bridge structure (Mile Point 98), approximately four miles north of Ouray. A specialized rake attachment was fabricated to allow heavy equipment access under the low clearance bridge structure. Large logs, rocks and mud will be transported to stockpile locations away from the drainage.

• Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday
• Motorists should plan for 15 to 20-minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
• Expect full stops and alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel
• A speed reduction of 40 MPH will be enforced through the work zone

CO 145 Telluride to Norwood

Operations to clear rockfall and mud debris from the shoulder of CO 145 between Norwood and Placerville (MP 87 to 90) are expected to continue through late-August. Multiple large mud and rock slides crossed CO 145 on July 21 and require extensive work to clear shoulders, culverts and drainages.

• Monday through Thursday daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Motorists should plan for 15 to 30-minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
• Expect full stops and alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel
• A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone

Colorado Department of Transportation travel alert map of operations to remove flood debris and clean highway shoulders on US 550 near Ouray and CO 145 near Norwood.

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!