U.S. Highway 550 will close north of Durango on Saturday during the annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Drivers are urged to leave Durango early if traveling to Silverton or points beyond, as Highway 550 will close from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. between Purgatory Resort and Silverton to accommodate cyclists.
Likewise, travelers heading south out of Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway or Montrose on Highway 550 should be aware the highway will be closed at Silverton. Drivers will not be permitted to continue southbound beyond Silverton after 8:30 a.m. The highway will reopen at 1:30 p.m.
Drivers in Durango will also experience traffic impacts from 6 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday to accommodate several cycling race and tour start times, with cyclists set to depart from Main Avenue and 33rd Street.
Just north of Durango, southbound traffic will be diverted from U.S. Highway 550 onto County Road 203 at Hermosa Creek to Animas View Drive. Northbound traffic from Durango to Purgatory will proceed along U.S. Highway 550 following traffic control personnel, signage and cones set in place.
Friends or family members who have plans to pick up cyclists in Silverton are advised to allow ample time when leaving Durango because vehicles must pass Purgatory Resort before the road closes at that location at 8:30 a.m.
No work zones or construction projects are taking place between Durango and Silverton this year. For the past several weeks, CDOT maintenance crews have been maintaining and sweeping the highway to clear the road of debris, such as gravel and rocks.
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 holiday weekend.
Drivers with plans to travel Saturday between northern and southern communities may want to consider an alternate route on more westerly highways. This alternate route adds about one hour of additional driving time.
dgladden@durangoherald.com
