A clear Right-of-Way traverses Red Mountain pass.
Road Closures on US 550 Red Mountain Pass
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued a permit for San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) to conduct vegetation clearing operations on US 550 Red Mountain Pass over the next few weeks. San Miguel Power Association is clearing timber to mitigate the risk of wildfires in the area. The work also prepares the way for a possible power line reconstruction project. Work is taking place on the south side of the pass summit between the communities of Ouray and Silverton. Travelers will need to plan around two four-hour closures, weekdays in the mornings and afternoons on US Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray. The highway will remain open overnight and on weekends. (See attached flyer for project details).
Visit forest service websites or contact the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests and the San Juan National Forest for information about potential closures of forest roads and trailheads on public lands.
Travel Impacts
When departing Silverton, northbound the closure point will be located near Crystal Lake, MP 87. When departing Ouray, the southbound closure point will be just south of Ouray, MP 92. The highway will remain open overnight and on weekends. If travelers cannot reach the closure points before the set closure times, they may consider the western alternate route via CO Highway 145. Motorists are urged to take it slow and watch for flagging personnel and other workers on the roadway.
Stay Informed about this Utility Project
- San Miguel Power Project Web page
- San Miguel Power Association: 970-626-5549
- Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests www.fs.usda.gov/gmug
- San Juan National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan
Know Before You Go
Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road.
- Road conditions: www.COtrip.org
- Project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
- Scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html
- Social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot