Drivers planning to travel through the scenic San Juan Skyway should prepare for a temporary shutdown of US Highway 550, also known as Red Mountain Pass. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will fully close the highway between Silverton and Ouray on Thursday, May 29.
The closure will begin at 7:30 a.m. and may last for much of the morning, though no specific reopening time has been announced. The affected stretch covers mile points 81 to 90.9, from the Red Mountain Pass Summit to Bear Creek Overlook.
CDOT explained that the closure is necessary to carry out helicopter operations for routine maintenance on avalanche mitigation equipment located above the highway. These measures are vital to ensure motorist safety in this area, which is prone to dangerous snow slides.
Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect delays during this essential safety work.
