Travelers planning to navigate the mountainous route of US Highway 550 between Durango and Silverton will need to look for alternative paths or adjust their schedule as the road faces full closures in both directions from August 25 through August 28, officials announced. According to CDOT, these closures will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, halting traffic around the Coal Bank Pass area for the installation of a new culvert. Northbound vehicles will need to pause their journey around two miles south of the Coal Bank Pass Overlook, while those heading south will be stopped at Andrews Lake Road.
The requisite closure is part of the ongoing US 550 Rockfall Mitigation and Wall Replacement project, which has been underway since May 12. As per CDOT, this phase of the project involves installing a culvert and constructing a new retaining wall structure underneath the highway. In addition to the full closures, drivers can anticipate up to 20-minute delays at signal locations along the highway due to continued work.
For those seeking to traverse the region during these dates, CDOT recommends taking Colorado Highway 145 through Telluride as an alternate north-south route. To aid motorists in their planning, several resources have been put forth, including the COtrip website and a mobile application offering current road conditions and travel information. Additionally, there's an option for travelers to sign up for project or travel alerts to stay informed on the latest developments.
Conscious of the potential inconvenience posed by construction, CDOT has also issued a "know before you go" advisory, encouraging travelers to gather information on weather forecasts and travel impacts prior to setting out. Tips for navigating work zones safely include obeying posted speed limits and driving cautiously, particularly around work crews. Motorists are also reminded to avoid unnecessary lane changes, refrain from using mobile devices, and be patient through potential delays.
Project updates and contact information for the road maintenance teams are available online for those with queries about the project's progress or for those looking for guidance on travel options. In a bid to ease concerns, CDOT has emphasized that these disruptions are to ensure the safety and efficiency of the roadway improvements being made. Motorists are urged to pay heed to changes and cooperate with guidance from road officials during this intensive period of construction.
