US 550 chip seal operations scheduled for June 9 and 10 between Durango and Silverton

Travel Advisory

June 6, 2025 - Southwest Colorado - Motorists will encounter two work zones and should allow for up to 40 minutes of additional travel time.

Southwest Colorado — Beginning Monday, June 9, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform a two-day surface treatment project along a six-mile segment of US Highway 550 (Mile Points 49 to 55), north of Purgatory Ski Area. Motorists will encounter full stops, up to 15-minute delays and will be guided by a pilot vehicle during the chip seal operations. Motorists entering the work zone from driveways or access roads must wait for a pilot vehicle to proceed and then join the traffic flow.

A separate project work zone for the US 550 Rockfall Mitigation and Retaining Wall Replacement Project is located just one-mile north on Coal Bank Pass (Mile Points 56 to 60). Motorists should plan for full stops, single-lane traffic guided by a temporary traffic signal and additional delays of up to 20 minutes. Traffic impacts for this project will continue until the anticipated project completion in late October.

Motorists traveling between Durango and Silverton should allow for a total of 40 minutes of additional travel time Monday through Tuesday. All work is weather-dependent. Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org.

Chip Seal Traffic Impacts (Mile Points 49 to 55)

Daytime work hours range from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Tuesday. Traffic impacts include:

  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by a pilot vehicle and 10 to 15 minute delays
  • Motorists entering the highway from a driveway or intersection must wait for a pilot car before proceeding with the flow of traffic
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone
  • Slow down - following posted speeds is necessary to avoid vehicle damage in the chip seal work zone

Rockfall Mitigation & Wall Replacement Traffic Impacts (Mile Points 56 to 60)

May 2025 through October 2025 work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with some Saturday work. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Between MP 60 and MP 56 traffic can expect to see two sets of traffic signals directing them to single lane alternating traffic through the work zones, 24/7 throughout the duration of the project
  • Motorists can expect intermittent delays with traffic holds up to 20 minutes at the Deer Creek location (Mile Point 59.3)
  • Flaggers will guide motorists during daylight hours while work is occurring
  • Speeds will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone and traffic fines will be doubled
  • Lane widths through the work zones will be reduced to 11’ throughout the duration of the project
  • Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Travel Alert Map of delays occurring at two separate work zones on US 550 between Durango and Silverton, June 9 and 10.
CDOT highway travel alert map of delays occurring at two separate work zones on US 550 between Durango and Silverton on June 9 and 10.

Driving Through Chip Seal Projects

Travelers are urged to:

  • Slow down - Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter, and damage vehicle paint and windshields
  • Increase distance between vehicles - Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones
  • Follow work zone signage - Use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone

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!