Motorists planning trips through southwestern Colorado should be aware of an upcoming closure impacting US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced winter maintenance operations to commence at 9 a.m. tomorrow, requiring a halt in traffic flow for what's expected to cover the majority of the morning hours. CDOT advises drivers to consider alternative routes or to prepare for delays.
According to CDOT, northbound travelers will see the road close near Ophir Road, about five miles north of Silverton at Mile Point 75.5. Southbound traffic will face a closure near the Red Mountain Pass summit, situated at Mile Point 79. Motorists have been urged to plan their trips to drive through the affected sections before the 9 a.m. closure time.
These maintenance operations are essential to ensure the continued safety of this mountain pass, known both for its scenic beauty and its potential for hazardous driving conditions during winter months. CDOT crews will work with efficiency and safety as their guiding principles, but the timeframe for reopening the pass is subject to change, hinging on the whims of weather and the sheer volume of snow that needs to be removed.
