A mud and rockslide closed U.S. Highway 550 north of Silverton in both directions Friday evening, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The slide occurred about 5 p.m. 10 miles north of Silverton at milepost 81, near Red Mountain Pass, said Adair Christensen, spokeswoman with Colorado Department of Transportation.
Initial reports said 4 to 5 feet of rock covered the road, she said at 6:40 p.m.
“Crews are currently up there with their heavy equipment, getting it cleared,” she said. “This closure could last well into the evening hours, depending on the amount of debris they have to remove.”
It was possible the road would be reopened by Saturday morning. She said another rockslide occurred this week near Telluride, where about 4 feet of rock covered the road. It took crews about four hours to clear the road. But Red Mountain Pass is more remote and there is less equipment, she noted.
“Monsoons are here and it’s been causing havoc on several highways across Colorado,” Christensen said. “... We really just want the public to be aware that monsoons and flash floods could cause mudslides on the road. The main thing is, if you see any amount of standing water crossing a road, do not attempt to drive through it. Stop and turn around, or wait until the water clears or it’s safe to cross.”
shane@durangoherald.com
