OURAY COUNTY, Colo. — Colorado's Million Dollar Highway was closed Wednesday morning after a boulder fell onto the road.
U.S. 550 Red Mountain Pass was closed between Silverton and Ouray at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, about 30 minutes after a rockfall was reported approximately two miles south of Ouray.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said the boulder would require downsizing in order to remove it from the highway. CDOT said its crews began drilling and blasting at first light Wednesday, and heavy equipment operators removed blasted debris from the roadway.
It was back open at around 11:30 a.m., according to CDOT.
CDOT said travelers could use an alternate route via CO Highway 145 through Telluride while the highway was closed.
Part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, the Million Dollar Highway stretches for for about 25 miles of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray.
