US 550 Red Mountain Pass closed August 5 to allow for search and rescue operations
Travel Advisory
Southwest Colorado — On Tuesday, Aug. 5, at approximately 9:40 a.m., the Colorado Department of Transportation closed US Highway 550 approximately five miles south of Ouray (Mile Point 88.5) after emergency responders were alerted of a vehicle crash on the valley floor, approximately 300 feet below the highway. Search and rescue operations to recover the vehicle and occupants are currently underway and have proven to be fairly challenging due to the steep and technical terrain.
The highway will remain closed to allow for recovery operations, which could take several hours. There is no estimated time of opening, and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes between Ouray and Silverton.
Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the most current information.

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!