Red Mountain Pass will open to single-lane, alternating traffic twice a day, starting Friday morning.

The plan goes into effect from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Colorado Department of Transportation said Thursday.

The pass, two miles south of Ouray, has been closed since Jan, 12 when a massive rockslide threw tons of debris on U.S. Highway 550.

Debris has been cleared, but CDOT officials decided it was too dangerous to carry traffic.

The lane for alternating traffic will be constructed by a barrier at the center of the highway to separate the work area from passing vehicles.

Following the two open periods, the highway again will be closed to allow crews to work freely.

daler@durangoherald.com