CDOT has decided last week, with no public input, to put in place a closure over Red Mountain Pass (HWY 550) during the month of June. This will be the second year out of three this road will be closed during the month of June.
The months of June thru August are the busiest for the cities of Ouray and Silverton. Many establishments rely on these three months to make a living for the entire year. Last years June closure was crushing for tourism in Ouray and Silverton but the damaged road needed mending. This year the road is safe and passable. If it truely needs more work CDOT should choose months such as May, September or October as to not negatively affect local tourism and economies. Although the closure will be lifted for one hour mid day, travellers still avoid this closure as demonstrated last June. This closure decision had little if any respect for local economies and residents.
CDOT is a tax funded state department and tax payers should have a say in the decisions that so strongly affect their lives. Please sign this petition in hopes that CDOT will come to a reasonable solution for this closure.
