U.S. 550 is closed between Durango and New Mexico state line

The Colorado Department of Transportation is putting a safety closure in place for the U.S. Highway 550 Bondad Bridge over the Animas River approximately 10 miles south of Durango, according to a press release.

The closure points are located north of County Road 213 and south of County Road 310 at Mile Point 3.5. 
Motorists traveling U.S. 550 between New Mexico and Durango are advised to seek alternate routes. 
The preemptive safety closure is in place to protect motorists from the potential of debris flows reaching the roadway.
There is no estimated time of reopening as it depends on river flows and weather conditions. Check the latest road conditions and traffic impacts on COtrip.orgor on the COtrip Planner app.

CDOT is urging motorists to avoid travel during the current flood warnings and flood watches issued for southwest and south-central Colorado. If you must travel, avoid driving through flooded areas and never drive through closure gates or barricades. 

Multiple full closures remain in place across southwest Colorado. Motorists should be prepared for additional safety closures in other areas of the region where significant flooding is creating roadway hazards. Safety closures may be extended due to weather conditions, water levels and highway damage.

Motorist Safety 

When motorists drive up onto a flooded area, there are several precautions to follow.  

• Never drive through any flooded area, you do not know how deep or how fast the water is running. 
• If you are stuck on the roadway during a closure it is best to remain in your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
• Even 8-10 inches of water can float an average-sized car, which can be easily swept off the road. 
• Driving too fast on wet roads or in flooded areas can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Never use your cruise control during rainy conditions with standing water on the roadway.
• Any amount of flooding or mud can obstruct the roadway and hinder drivers from knowing exactly where to drive. If you cannot see the roadway, be smart and wait for the water to subside. 
• Water and mud can contain unknown hazards hidden under the surface – rocks or other debris, like plant material and tree branches.