On Oct. 23, 2026, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) placed a safety closure on the US 550 Bondad Bridge over the Animas River, approximately 10 miles south of Durango. The closure, which began at 1:30 p.m., covers the bridge segment between County Road 213 and County Road 310 at Mile Point 3.5, and is intended to protect motorists from potential debris flows caused by recent heavy rains.
According to CDOT’s travel advisory, the closure affects all traffic traveling on US 550 between the New Mexico state line and Durango. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes and to avoid driving through flooded areas, closure gates, or barricades. The agency emphasized that there is no estimated reopening time; the bridge will remain closed until river flows and weather conditions improve.
Local photo coverage from the Durango Herald shows high water and flooding along the Animas River north of the city on the morning of Oct. 23. Images captured at 7:45 a.m. depict the floodplain testing its limits, with water overtopping low‑lying roads and rail tracks. The same storm also washed out sections of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge line near the Tacoma Power Plant, according to the Herald’s gallery.
CDOT warned that multiple full closures remain in place across southwest Colorado and that additional safety closures could be enacted as flooding continues. Drivers are advised to monitor real‑time conditions on COtrip.org or via the COtrip Planner app, both referenced in the department’s advisory.
Safety tips from CDOT include never driving through standing water, avoiding cruise control in wet conditions, and staying in the vehicle if stranded. The agency also recommends carrying an emergency kit with water, snacks, a flashlight, and a blanket, especially for those traveling through high‑country roads.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling. CDOT’s social‑media channels (@ColoradoDOT on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) provide updates, and travelers can sign up for alerts at bit.ly/COnewsalerts.
What’s next: The Bondad Bridge closure will stay in effect until CDOT determines that river levels and debris risks have subsided. Motorists should continue to use alternate routes and check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app for the latest information on road status and possible detours.
Sources: codot.gov, durangoherald.com
