Because of adverse weather, one lane of U.S. Highway 550 south of Durango closed Saturday afternoon.
The northbound lane is closed from the New Mexico-Colorado border to Farmington Hill, the U.S. 550-160 intersection. The southbound lane is open. Road conditions included snow and ice around La Plata County as a winter storm passed through the area. Other road closures were lifted Saturday afternoon.
U.S. Highway 160 east of Durango was temporarily closed Saturday morning because of several vehicle accidents, including an eight-car pileup. It was open as of 4 p.m.
U.S. 160, west of Durango at the Four Corners, and at U.S. Highway 491 near Dove Creek were open as of 4 p.m. They were also temporarily closed Saturday morning.
Colorado Department of Transportation announced chain and traction laws in effect for commercial vehicles traveling over Coal Bank, Molas, Red Mountain and Wolf Creek passes. Passenger vehicles should have appropriate snow or mud tires, chains or all-wheel drive.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory in lower elevations until 8 p.m. and in the San Juan Mountains until 5 p.m. Sunday.
Vehicle accidents were being reported in La Plata County throughout the day Saturday.
Law enforcement and Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes encouraged people to stay off the roads as much as possible.
If it’s necessary to drive, travelers can check road conditions at the CDOT CO Trip map.
“It is the winter. We need to take the time to slow down, make sure that our tires are what’s required for the snow and just be patient,” said Cpl. Ivan Alvarado with Colorado State Patrol.
smullane@durangoherald.com
Travel information
The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists to check for updated weather information:
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Call 511 to listen to recorded information about road conditions, projected trip travel times and trucker information.
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Visit
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Herald Staff
