The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced that US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton will be fully closed overnight starting at midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The closure, which affects Mile Points 71 to 92, is scheduled to last until approximately 8 a.m. the same morning. CDOT stated that this measure is needed to allow crews enough space for heavy equipment as they remove snow from the highway shoulder and clear ditches.
In addition to the overnight closure, CDOT will conduct daytime snow removal and ditch clearing operations on US 550 between Purgatory Ski Area and Silverton, as well as on CO 145 between Telluride and Rico, beginning Dec. 12 and continuing through Dec. 19. During these periods, motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes due to alternating traffic controlled by flaggers.
On Dec. 16 from midnight to 8 a.m., both northbound and southbound travelers will face full stops: northbound drivers will encounter a closure just north of Silverton at Mile Point 71, while southbound drivers will find a closure just south of Ouray at Mile Point 92. CDOT advises all motorists not to attempt bypassing the closure gates.
From Dec. 12 through Dec. 19, maintenance work on US 550 south of Silverton and CO 145 south of Telluride will occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with possible full stops and alternating traffic patterns in place during those hours.
CDOT reminds drivers that fines for traffic violations are doubled within work zones. Motorists are urged to reduce speed when approaching work areas, exercise caution, leave extra space between vehicles, and allow additional travel time.
A map showing the location of the overnight closure is available via CDOT’s Highway Closure Alert system.
