The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a full overnight closure of US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton. The closure will begin at midnight on Tuesday, December 16, and is expected to last until approximately 8 a.m. the same day. The affected section covers Mile Points 71 to 92.
According to CDOT, the closure is necessary so crews can use heavy equipment to push snow from the highway shoulder and clean ditches along this stretch of road.
Additional daytime maintenance operations are also scheduled on US 550 between Purgatory Ski Area and Silverton, as well as CO 145 between Telluride and Rico. These activities will take place from December 12 through December 19, with work hours set for Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these times, motorists should expect up to 15-minute delays due to alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel.
On the night of December 16, both northbound and southbound travelers will encounter full stops: northbound drivers just north of Silverton (MP 71), and southbound drivers just south of Ouray (MP 92). CDOT advises motorists not to attempt bypassing closure gates.
Traffic fines in work zones will be doubled during this period. Drivers are urged to slow down when approaching work areas, exercise caution, allow extra space between vehicles, and plan for additional travel time.
A map detailing the closure area is available through CDOT’s Highway Closure Alert system.
