The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced extensive detours for motorists traveling to and from Durango following severe flooding that damaged multiple highways in Southwest Colorado. According to the Durango city website, floodwaters washed out sections of CO 151 south of Chimney Rock and caused the collapse of support piers on the Piedra River Bridge along US 160, a critical 30‑mile corridor between Pagosa Springs and Durango.
As of Thursday, Nov. 5, CDOT listed several emergency closures still in effect. CO 151 between mileposts 27 and 30 remains under reconstruction after a new washout four miles south of the US 160 junction on Nov. 1. Crews are on site to repair the damage, but drivers are advised to expect delays and follow flaggers or temporary light signals.
US 160 between Pagosa Springs and Durango also requires emergency repairs. The most urgent work involves the Piedra River Bridge, located 18 miles west of Pagosa Springs, where the bridge’s support piers have collapsed. CDOT plans to install a temporary structure as soon as site conditions allow, but the bridge will need a full rebuild.
Additional damage was reported on US 160 through Wolf Creek Pass (mileposts 157 to 184.5). Flooding, mud, and rock slides have compromised at least four locations along the 33‑mile stretch, including a washed‑out segment six miles west of South Fork in an area known as The Narrows. The pass remains closed from east of Pagosa Springs to South Fork.
Travelers heading to Durango from Pagosa Springs are directed to use a detour that adds roughly two and a half hours to the trip. The recommended route follows US 84 south into New Mexico, then east on US 64 to Dulce, west on US 64 to Bloomfield, and north on US 550 back into Colorado. Freight operators are urged to consider alternate interstate corridors—such as I‑70 to the north or I‑40 to the south—and to avoid unpaved or seasonal forest roads that may not support heavy vehicles.
CDOT emphasizes the importance of “knowing before you go.” Motorists should check real‑time conditions on COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner mobile app, slow down in work zones, and keep fuel, snacks, water, and warm clothing on hand in case of delays. The agency will continue cleanup and roadway stabilization throughout the week.
What’s next: CDOT expects CO 17 to reopen to restricted access by the end of Nov. 5, though through‑traffic will remain prohibited. Crews aim to install a temporary structure at the Piedra River Bridge as soon as conditions permit, and ongoing repairs on US 160 and CO 151 are slated to continue into the coming weeks. Drivers should monitor COtrip.org for the latest updates.
Sources: durangoco.gov
