Three southwest mountain passes set to close April 8 for helicopter operations

Travel Advisory

Southwest Colorado - Motorists should plan for lengthy delays and full closures while the Colorado Department of Transportation completes winter maintenance and helicopter operations on Wednesday, April 8. US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork is scheduled to close at 8 a.m. for approximately two hours. US 550 Red Mountain and CO 145 Lizard Head Passes will have lengthy delays between 10 a.m. and noon. The closures are needed to allow for safety during critical helicopter operations.

There is no exact time of reopening and helicopter operations are weather-dependent. Please be aware that the delay times are approximate and may be extended should unusual circumstances arise. Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the most current information.

Wednesday, April 8 Closure Schedule:

• 8 a.m. - US 160 Wolf Creek Pass (between South Fork and Pagosa Springs):
  • Eastbound travelers will encounter a closure at Treasure Falls (Mile Point 157), 13 miles east of Pagosa Springs
  • Westbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area (MP 167), 19 miles west of South Fork
• 10 a.m. - US 550 Red Mountain Pass (between Ouray and Silverton):
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure north of Ironton (MP 87)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Overlook, approximately three miles south of Ouray (MP 90.6)
• 10:30 a.m. - CO 145 Lizard Head Pass (between Telluride and Rico):
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure at Forest Service Road 423 (MP 49), two miles north of Rico
  • Southbound travelers may encounter two closures, one three miles north of Rico (MP 50) or one near Trout Lake (MP 61)

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 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!