Travelers using US Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass in southwest Colorado should expect significant closures in September due to electrical power line work. The San Miguel Power Association will conduct the project, which requires full road closures from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays, between September 2 and September 18.
The affected section runs from Ironton Park to just south of Ouray, specifically between mile points 87.5 and 90. The closure schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4; Tuesday, Sept. 9 through Thursday, Sept. 11; and Tuesday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept. 18.
During these periods, northbound motorists coming from Silverton will be stopped at the north end of Ironton Park (MP 87.5), while southbound travelers from Ouray will be halted at Bear Creek Falls Overlook (MP 90). Access to Ouray County Road 18 (Engineer Pass/Alpine Loop) will remain available from Ouray during the closures (MP 90 to MP 89.4), though space for unloading vehicles or trailers may be limited due to equipment being staged at the intersection with CR 18.
The electrical power line work is weather-dependent and may be adjusted if conditions require.
For more information about the Red Mountain Electrical Reliability and Broadband Improvement Project, individuals can call San Miguel Power Member Services at 970-864-7311 extension 2310 or visit https://www.smpa.com/red-mountain-electrical-reliability-and-broadband-improvement-project.
