CDOT to perform winter maintenance operations on CO 145 between Rico and Telluride

Travel Advisory

Feb. 18, 2026 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for lengthy delays on Feb. 19 beginning at 8 a.m.

Dolores & San Miguel Counties — On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations on Colorado Highway 145 beginning south of Rico and continuing north to Trout Lake. Beginning at 8 a.m., motorists can expect lengthy delays lasting upwards of 30 minutes for much of the day. Motorists will be stopped in both directions at various locations along the work zone (Mile Points 44 to 61) and flaggers will guide motorists through the closure points intermittently between mitigation efforts.

Closure times will vary in length depending on the amount of snow that needs to be cleared by crews, as well as severity of potential avalanche danger. CDOT urges motorists to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.

Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Alert Map of lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations on CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, between Rico and Telluride, beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting for much of the day on February 19, 2026.
Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Maintenance Alert Map of lengthy delays during safety-critical winter maintenance operations on CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, between Rico and Telluride, beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting for much of the day on Feb. 19, 2026.

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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