CDOT announces U.S. Highway 550 closures for Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

SHAUN STANLEY/Herald<br><br>Nerves of iron. 3 year old Nathan Shima watches riders prepare for the start of the Citizens Tour of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic along College Ave in the arms of his father Darryl Shima. Both are from Albuquerque. Darryl Shima rode in the Citizen Tour.

The Journal

The Colorado Department of Transportation will close U.S. Highway 550 between Purgatory Ski Resort and Silverton from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Saturday, to accommodate cyclists during the annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Motorists are urged to leave Durango early if traveling to Silverton or points beyond.

Travelers heading south (out of Ouray, Ridgway or Montrose) on U.S. 550 should be aware the highway will be closed at Silverton. Motorists will not be permitted to continue southbound beyond Silverton after 8:30 a.m.

Starting at 7 a.m., in Durango just north of town, southbound U.S. 550 traffic will be diverted onto County Road 203 at Hermosa Creek to Animas View Drive.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., rolling closures will be in place to accommodate three biking event start times in downtown Durango. Motorist will experience brief delays along the northbound lanes of U.S. 550/Camino del Rio and Main Avenue from College Drive, north through the town.

Drivers are reminded and urged to watch for cyclists and drive safely for this event and other special events which may be taking place over the busy holiday weekend.