US 550 Red Mountain Pass will no longer require full closures for power line work

Travel Advisory

Southwest Colorado - The previously scheduled road closures on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from Sept. 2 to 18, will no longer be necessary for electrical power line work. The Red Mountain Electrical Reliability & Broadband Improvement Project announced that the work requiring five-hour full closures has been completed ahead of schedule. Motorists can expect US 550 between Ouray and Silverton to remain open Sept. 16 to 18, during the previously scheduled closure times.

Powerline crews will continue to perform work along the mountain corridor however it will have minimal impact to travel. Motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down and watch for workers beside the road.

San Miguel Power Association Project Information

For additional information about the Red Mountain Electrical Reliability and Broadband Improvement Project:

• Call the San Miguel Power Member Services at 970-864-7311 extension 2310
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: smpa.com/red-mountain-electrical-reliability-and-broadband-improvement-project

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!