CDOT takes advantage of unseasonably warm weather to perform routine maintenance

Travel Advisory

February 2, 2026 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for brief delays on US 550 and CO 145 Feb. 3 to 6

Southwest Colorado — Motorists should plan for brief delays through mid-February while the Colorado Department of Transportation performs maintenance operations along various high-country roads including Colorado Highway 145 and US Highway 550. The warm and dry long-term weather outlook allows crews to tackle routine highway maintenance projects including crack seal, sweeping and ditch cleaning operations.

Operations are weather-dependent. Check COtrip.org for the most current maintenance operations and traffic impacts.

CO 145 Traffic Impacts (Telluride to Placerville)

Ditch cleaning operations will take place between Mile Points 78 and 84, Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by signs and flagging personnel
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones
  • Plan for full stops and up to 15-minute delays

Additional sweeping operations will take place this week on Keystone Hill, approximately five miles west of Telluride, between MP 72 and 74. The operations are mobile with no delays necessary, however motorists can anticipate slower speeds and should give themselves plenty of room between the sweeper and their vehicle (approximately 3 to 4 car lengths).

US 550 Traffic Impacts (Silverton to Purgatory)

Maintenance crews will repair and seal cracks in the road surface along Molas Pass, MP 66 to 70 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by pilot vehicles
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones
  • Plan for full stops and brief 15-minute delays

Motorists can expect chip seal operations to continue through mid-February on US 550 between Silverton and Purgatory as weather conditions allow.

Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Alert Map of delays occurring on CO 145, west of Telluride and US 550, south of Silverton Feb. 3 to 6 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Alert Map of delays occurring on CO 145, west of Telluride and US 550, south of Silverton Feb. 3 to 6 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

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!