The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on April 7 that three major southwest mountain passes will close on April 8 to allow for winter maintenance and helicopter operations. The affected routes include US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass, and CO Highway 145 Lizard Head Pass.
These closures are necessary to ensure safety during critical helicopter work. The department said that Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork will close at 8 a.m. for about two hours. Red Mountain and Lizard Head passes will have lengthy delays between 10 a.m. and noon. There is no exact time for reopening, as the schedule depends on weather conditions, and delay times may be extended if unusual circumstances arise.
Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for up-to-date information regarding road status before traveling through these areas. According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life in Colorado through integrated transportation solutions.
The agency aims to deliver an effective multi-modal transportation system that safely moves people, goods, and information while enhancing environmental standards in the state, according to its official website. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director of the department, as indicated by its official website.
As outlined on the official website, the department oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado including building and maintaining interstates, U.S., and state highways while administering grants for aviation and transit projects. The agency operates within the transportation sector with a focus on highway maintenance as well as support for aviation and transit initiatives, according to its official website.
