Travelers on US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass should expect significant delays in early to mid-September due to scheduled power line work. The San Miguel Power Association will close the highway from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays, over three weeks between September 2 and September 18. These closures are necessary for reconstruction of electrical power lines and are dependent on weather conditions.
The affected section stretches from Ironton Park to just south of Ouray, specifically between Mile Points 87.5 and 90. During the closure periods, northbound motorists coming from Silverton will be stopped at the north end of Ironton Park (MP 87.5), while southbound travelers from Ouray will be halted at Bear Creek Falls Overlook (MP 90). Thru access on Ouray County Road 18 (Engineer Pass/Alpine Loop) from Ouray (MP 90 to MP 89.4) will remain available, though space for unloading vehicles and trailers at the US 550 and CR 18 intersection may be limited due to construction equipment.
The closures are part of the Red Mountain Electrical Reliability and Broadband Improvement Project, which aims to improve utility infrastructure in the area. More information about this project can be found at https://www.smpa.com/red-mountain-electrical-reliability-and-broadband-improvement-project.
For further details or questions about the closures or project, travelers can contact San Miguel Power Member Services by phone or email as provided by the project team.
