The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will implement a full overnight closure on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton from midnight to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16. The closure, which covers Mile Points 71 to 92, is required for crews to clear snow from the highway shoulder and clean ditches using heavy equipment.
In addition to the overnight closure, CDOT will conduct daytime snow removal and ditch clearing operations starting December 12 on US 550 between Purgatory Ski Area and Silverton, as well as CO 145 between Telluride and Rico. These maintenance activities are scheduled through December 19 and will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During these operations, motorists should expect up to 15-minute delays due to alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel. On December 16, both northbound and southbound travelers will encounter full stops: northbound just north of Silverton (MP 71), and southbound just south of Ouray (MP 92). Drivers are instructed not to attempt bypassing closure gates.
Traffic fines will be doubled in work zones. CDOT advises drivers to slow down near work areas, use caution, maintain extra space between vehicles, and allow additional travel time.
“Motorists can expect up to 15-minute delays and alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel to continue through Dec. 19.”
A highway closure alert map is available showing the impacted section of US 550 for the overnight operation on December 16.
