Motorists traveling the San Juan Skyway in southwest Colorado should expect closures, maintenance work, and wildfire activity to affect travel between August 25 and 28, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
US Highway 550 between Durango and Silverton will be closed in both directions daily from August 25 through August 28, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Northbound vehicles will stop just north of the Coal Bank Pass overlook at Mile Point 56.6, while southbound traffic will be halted at Andrews Lake Road (MP 63). CDOT says these four-hour closures are necessary for crews to install a new culvert under the roadway near the summit of Coal Bank Pass. Access to trailhead parking areas, overlooks, and restrooms in this area will remain available.
On Colorado Highway 145 near Telluride, maintenance crews are scheduled to carry out paving operations for three days between Society Drive (MP 70.5) and Wagner Way (MP 69.3), just south of Mountain Village. These activities are planned for Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with expected delays ranging from fifteen to thirty minutes depending on weather conditions.
Additionally, wildfire response continues along CO 145 due to the active Stoner Mesa Wildfire burning west of the highway between Rico and Dolores. Firefighters remain present on both CO 145 and Montezuma County Road 38 about twelve miles north of Dolores. CDOT urges motorists to slow down and stay alert in these areas for their own safety as well as that of emergency personnel.
“Motorists are urged to slow down and remain alert in these areas for their safety and the safety of firefighters.”
For up-to-date information on traffic impacts throughout these projects, travelers can consult https://www.cotrip.org/.
