US 550 Red Mountain Pass set to close Thursday morning for helicopter operations

Travel Advisory

May 28, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists traveling between Ouray and Silverton will be stopped in both directions beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Southwest Colorado — On Thursday, May 29, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform safety-critical helicopter operations on US Highway 550 between the Red Mountain Pass Summit and the Bear Creek Overlook (Mile Points 81 to 90.9). Lengthy closures can be expected to last for much of the morning, and there is no exact time of reopening. CDOT maintenance crews are taking advantage of the favorable weather opportunity to perform routine maintenance on multiple avalanche mitigation units located above the highway. The closure is necessary to allow for motorist safety during helicopter operations.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists will encounter full closures in both directions beginning Thursday, May 29, at 7:30 a.m., with no exact times of reopening.

  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately ten miles north of Silverton near the summit of Red Mountain Pass (Mile Point 81)
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Overlook, approximately three miles south of Ouray (Mile Point 90.9)
  • If operations allow, flaggers may intermittently guide motorists through the closure points; however, lengthy delays should be anticipated

Motorists are reminded that delay times are approximate and may be extended should unusual circumstances arise. Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the most current information.

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the scheduled full closure between Silverton and Ouray (Mile Points 81 to 90.9) on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 a.m. Motorists can expect lengthy delays for much of the morning during safety-critical helicopter operations.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of the scheduled full closure between Silverton and Ouray (Mile Points 81 to 90.9) on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 a.m. Motorists can expect lengthy delays for much of the morning during safety-critical helicopter operations.

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!