Multiple safety closures are in place with no estimated time of opening: CO 145, U.S. 160, U.S. 491 and U.S. 550 are closed due to adverse travel conditions

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Colorado Department of Transportation

High winds and heavy amounts of snow are expected to last for much of the day creating hazardous driving conditions across western and southern Colorado including the San Juan Mountain range. The Colorado Department of Transportation has closures set in place on multiple highways due to low visibility and safety concerns. There is no estimated time of opening for any of these closures.

CDOT patrols are reporting whiteout conditions and significant winds. CDOT urges motorists to postpone and avoid travel. For the most current road conditions and closures visit COtrip.org. Travelers should be aware that winter maintenance work and safety closures may be implemented on many southwest Colorado highways for the remainder of the week.

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass was closed at approximately 11:40 a.m. due to poor visibility. Eastbound traffic is being stopped at Treasure Falls (MP 157) and westbound traffic is being stopped just west of South Fork (MP 184). Safety closures are dependent on weather and will remain in effect until conditions are safe for travel. There is no estimated time of opening.

CO 145 Lizard Head Pass south of Telluride

A closure began at 11 a.m. on CO 145 between Rico and Trout Lake (MP 48 - MP 61). There is no estimated time of opening as closures are dependent on hazardous weather and road conditions. CDOT urges all motorists to avoid travel.

U.S. 491 north of Cortez

U.S. 491 from just north of Cortez to Dove Creek (MP 30 - MP 65) is closed due to adverse conditions. This closure began at 8 a.m. and is dependent on weather conditions. CDOT urges big rig drivers and passenger vehicles traveling east from Montecillo, UT to stop. Do not drive into Colorado. Driving conditions are treacherous.

U.S. 550 Mountain Corridor between Durango and Ouray

At approximately 8:40 a.m., U.S. 550 (MP 48 - MP 95) closed along the entire mountain corridor including Coal Bank Pass, Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass. The southern closure point is located north of Purgatory Ski Resort, near Cascade Creek. The northern closure point is located south of Ouray. Safety closures are weather dependent with no estimated time of opening.

Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures