Motorists can expect lengthy Saturday morning delays on US 550 Red Mountain Pass

Winter Travel Alert

Jan. 24, 2026 - Crews will perform winter maintenance operations beginning at 10 a.m.

Southwest Colorado — US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray will close to travel on Saturday, Jan. 24 while the Colorado Department of Transportation performs safety-critical winter maintenance operations. At 10 a.m., US 550 will fully close in both directions and motorists will be stopped for approximately two hours. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure times.

Parking and recreating is prohibited between the closure points during winter maintenance operations. Backcountry users must move their vehicles and vacate the area before the scheduled closure times.

Travelers should also be aware that during the winter season, snow conditions may require additional maintenance work and safety closures at any time on many southwest Colorado highways. Visit COtrip.org for the most current closure times and traffic impacts.

Traffic Impacts

Lengthy delays on US 550 Red Mountain Pass will begin at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24.

  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Overlook, approximately three miles south of Ouray (Mile Point 90.9)
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure near Ironton, approximately 16 miles north of Silverton (Mile Point 87.5)

Motorists may consider an alternate route via CO 145 through Lizard Head Pass. This westerly route will add approximately one hour of additional driving time, taking approximately three hours to travel between Durango and Ridgway (approximately 150 miles).

  • US 160 Durango to Mancos
  • CO 184 Mancos to Dolores
  • CO 145 Dolores to Placerville
  • CO 62 Placerville to Ridgway
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert map of US 550 winter maintenance operations on Jan. 24 between Silverton and Ouray.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert map of US 550 winter maintenance operations on Jan. 24 between Silverton and Ouray.

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!