US 550 Red Mountain Pass lengthy closures set for power line reconstruction

Travel Advisory

Aug. 28, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - San Miguel Power utility project will impact travel for three weeks, Sept. 2 to 18
Map of a five-hour daily closure (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tuesday through Thursday, from September 2 to 18, on US Highway 550, Red Mountain Pass (Mile Points 87.5 to 90)
Colorado Department of Transportation map of a five-hour daily closure (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tuesday through Thursday, from Sept. 2 to 18, on US 550, Red Mountain Pass (Mile Points 87.5 to 90).

Southwest Colorado — Travelers will encounter lengthy road closures on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from Sept. 2 to 18, to allow for electrical power line work. San Miguel Power Association will require the five-hour full closures, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the next three weeks in September. Work will take place on the north side of Red Mountain Pass from Ironton Park to just south of Ouray. The electrical power line work is weather-dependent.

Closure Schedule

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the dates listed below, motorists will encounter full traffic stops.

  • Week 1: Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept 4
  • Week 2: Tuesday, Sept. 9 through Thursday, Sept 11
  • Week 3: Tuesday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept 18

Traffic Impacts

Motorists will encounter full traffic stops at the following locations:

  • Northbound Closure: Motorists traveling northbound from Silverton will be stopped at the north end of Ironton Park (MP 87.5)
  • Southbound Closure: Motorists traveling southbound from Ouray will be stopped at Bear Creek Falls Overlook (MP 90)
  • Ouray County Road 18 Access: Crews will maintain thru access to CR 18 (Engineer Pass/Alpine Loop) from Ouray (MP 90 to MP 89.4) during the closures. Their wire-pulling equipment will be located within the large pull-off/unloading area at the US 550 and CR 18 intersection. This will limit the number of vehicles/trailers that are able to use this area for unloading

San Miguel Power Association Project Information

For additional information about the 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:

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!

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