Travelers planning to navigate the scenic stretch of US 550 known as Red Mountain Pass will need to reroute their journeys for the time being. A rockfall has forced the closure of the highway between Silverton and Ouray, as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Crews are expected to start work on the boulder, which requires downsizing to be removed, at the break of dawn on Wednesday. The timeline for the highway's reopening remains uncertain at this point.

An alternative path has been suggested for those affected by the closure. Motorists are advised to consider the route via CO Highway 145 through Telluride. For the latest updates on the closure, CDOT directs travelers to their website, COtrip.org.

CDOT urges the public to be well-informed before hitting the road, recommending resources such as COtrip.org for road conditions and the COtrip Planner app for more comprehensive travel information. Drivers can also sign up for project or travel alerts and see scheduled construction lane closures, making preparation a key part of travel plans.

With construction zones posing various challenges and potential risks, CDOT reminds drivers of the importance of safety. Obeying posted speed limits, staying alert, and being patient is paramount, and using mobile devices while driving is strongly discouraged. Inadvertently, such measures not only protect the workers but also ensure the well-being of the travelers themselves. To aid visibility, turning on headlights is recommended, and ample spacing between vehicles is emphasized to allow for sudden stops.

Traffic disruptions, especially during peak travel times, are to be expected. Motorists are encouraged to adapt to any necessary lane shifts and to merge with care when directed. Staying patient through delays contributes to the safety and efficiency of travel through these temporary inconveniences.