CDOT urges 4th of July travelers to be prepared for travel through non-active work zones

Travel Advisory

July 3, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for lengthy 24/7 delays on US 550 between Durango and Silverton

Map of temporary traffic signals located at two locations on US 550 Coal Bank Pass — Colorado Department of Transportation map of temporary traffic signals located at two locations on US 550 Coal Bank Pass. Although active construction will not be taking place, the signals will be operational 24/7 through the holiday weekend. Motorists should allow for up to 40 minutes of additional travel time between Durango and Silverton.

Southwest Colorado — While CDOT construction is halted for the July 4th holiday weekend, many work zones will still have traffic control delays. CDOT urges all travelers to plan ahead and allow additional travel time for holiday destinations and festivities. Check COtrip.org for the most current traffic impacts.

Motorists traveling between Durango and Silverton for July 4th festivities, including Silverton’s fireworks show, on Friday evening, should plan for full stops at two separate 24/7 traffic signal locations on US Highway 550 along Coal Bank Pass. Motorists should allow up to 40 minutes of additional travel time for the delays at the traffic signals.

Traffic Impacts

Plan for full stops with up to 20-minute delays at two separate locations on US 550, Coal Bank Pass. 24/7 traffic signal locations include:

Coal Bank Pass Summit (Mile Point 56.9) - 24/7 signal location with full stops, alternating traffic and up to 20-minute delays
Deer Creek (Mile Point 59.3) - 24/7 signal location with full stops, alternating traffic and up to 20-minute delays
Speeds are reduced to 25 MPH through the work zone and traffic fines will be doubled.
No loads over 10 feet width; 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Work being done on US 550 includes stabilizing the rock face above the highway at the Deer Creek location and replacing the retaining wall at the Coal Bank location.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Call the project information line at 970-718-5148
Email the project team at: [email protected]
Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us550wallreplacement

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!