A semitruck loaded with corrugated metal and a second vehicle crashed south of Silverton on U.S. Highway 550 on Tuesday afternoon, backing up traffic in both directions.
Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Adair Christensen said the highway was closed from about 6 to 7:15 p.m. a quarter mile south of Silverton while a tow truck moved the tractor trailer.
“The tow recovery when much quicker than we had anticipated,” she said in a text message to The Durango Herald.
The highway reopened to one-lane alternating traffic while crews continued to clear debris Tuesday night. Twenty minute delays were still possible while crews worked.
Images showed the wrecked tractor trailer sitting on its side, trailer hanging off the road, along Highway 550 near mile post 70, just below of the final sharp curve as drivers heading north descend into Silverton.
The crash occurred about 2:45 p.m., Christensen said. Crews used fans to mitigate a small fuel spill.
The driver of the semi was taken to CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango in an ambulance; no information about the second vehicle or driver was available.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
