4-hour daily closures begin next week on US 550 Coal Bank Pass

Travel Advisory

Aug. 18, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists traveling CO 145 south of Telluride should plan for paving delays and wildfire activity
Map of US 550 Closures and CO 145 maintenance operations taking place the week of August 25 along the San Juan Skyway loop between Durango, Silverton, Ridgway, Telluride and Dolores
Colorado Department of Transportation map of US 550 Closures and CO 145 maintenance operations taking place the week of Aug. 25 along the San Juan Skyway loop between Durango, Silverton, Ridgway, Telluride and Dolores. Additionally, motorists are urged to slow down and stay alert for firefighters and heavy equipment on CO 145 between Rico and Dolores.

Southwest Colorado —The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists of scheduled closures, maintenance operations and wildfire activity that will impact travel along the San Juan Skyway (scenic byway routes US Highway 550 and Colorado Highway 145) Aug. 25 to 28.

US Highway 550 Coal Bank Pass (Durango to Silverton)

US 550 between Durango and Silverton will experience full road closures in both directions Aug. 25 through Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., each day. Northbound motorists will be stopped just north of the Coal Bank Pass overlook (Mile Point 56.6). Southbound traffic will be stopped at Andrews Lake Road (MP 63). This daily four-hour closure will allow crews to safely and efficiently install a new culvert under the roadway near the summit of Coal Bank Pass. Access to the Pass Creek/Engineer Mountain trailhead parking area, the Coal Bank Pass overlook, and restrooms will remain open.

CO 145 Lawson Hill (Telluride to Mountain Village)

Maintenance crews will perform three-day paving operations on CO 145, between Society Drive (MP 70.5) and continuing south of Mountain Village to Wagner Way (MP 69.3). Motorists should plan for 15 to 30-minute delays, Monday through Wednesday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Paving operations are weather-dependent.

CO 145 Stoner Mesa Wildfire Activity

The Stoner Mesa Wildfire is still active and burning west of CO 145 between Rico and Dolores. There continues to be a large presence of firefighters working on and near both CO 145 and Montezuma County Road 38, approximately 12 miles north of Dolores. Motorists are urged to slow down and remain alert in these areas for their safety and the safety of firefighters. For more information, visit the Stoner Mesa Fire Information Facebook page.

Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org.

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!