For those planning to navigate the scenic stretches of US Highway 550, Red Mountain Pass this September, be prepared for a series of scheduled roadblocks. In a move that's critical for infrastructure, but perhaps frustrating for travelers, the San Miguel Power Association has set in motion a project that will see the thoroughfare closed to traffic for five hours at a time over the span of three weeks. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, these closures are to accommodate essential power line reconstruction work and are weather-dependent.
The interruption to road travel, running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will disrupt the commutes on specific dates starting Sept. 2 and continuing through Sept. 18 with closures taking place from Monday to Thursday every week and as this imperative work ensues spectators will need to detour or delay as crews labor diligently from Ironton Park to the outskirts of Ouray, securing the north side of the pass. CDOT has provided a detailed schedule for the closures, which includes breaks in the work on Fridays through Sundays, thereby offering some respite for weekend adventurers and travelers.
The traffic stops will notably impact those heading northbound from Silverton, who'll find themselves halted at Ironton Park, and those traveling southbound from Ouray, who’ll encounter stops at Bear Creek Falls Overlook. What's more, for those who seek passage to Ouray County Road 18, crews promise to maintain accessible routes, although the presence of wire-pulling equipment will cramp the usual area designated for vehicle and trailer unloading.
