US 550 Red Mountain Pass will close tomorrow morning for winter maintenance

Project Update

March 25, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for lengthy delays beginning at 10 a.m.

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Motorists should plan for intermittent 30-minute delays between Ouray and Silverton for most of the afternoon. Crews will work swiftly and safely to complete operations however, delays may be extended depending on weather conditions and the extent of snow removal required.

Snow slide debris from US Highway 550 south of Ouray during previous winter maintenance operations that occurred on March 15, 2024.
The Colorado Department of Transportation cleared snow slide debris from US 550 south of Ouray during previous winter maintenance operations that occurred on March 15, 2024.

Traffic Impacts

Winter maintenance operations scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 beginning at 10 a.m.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure near the pass summit (Mile Point 81)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Bridge (Mile Point 90.5)
  • Motorists will be guided by flaggers through the closure points

Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

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!