Expect Traffic Delays on Highway 550

May 13, 2025

Construction begins on Highway 550. Cortez water restrictions take effect Thursday, May 15. The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado will host two interactive workshops for nonprofit leaders. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Durango Motor Company.

Learn More...

Colorado Department of Transportation - https://www.codot.gov/
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Myers & Sons Construction - https://www.myers-sons.com/
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City of Cortez - https://www.cortezco.gov/
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Colorado Nonprofit Association - https://coloradononprofits.org/
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Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado - https://www.swcommunityfoundation.org/

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Home2Suites - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/fmnblht-home2-suites-farmington-bloomfield/
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Durango Motor Company - https://www.durangomotorcompany.com/

Read the Full Transcript

Construction begins on Highway 550 this spring. Expect delays. Cortez water restrictions take effect Thursday, May 15th, and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado will host two interactive workshops for nonprofit leaders. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Home 2 Suites and Durango Motor Company. I'm Ryan Simonovich. Drivers can expect traffic delays this summer on U.S. Highway 550 between Coal Bank Pass and Silverton. The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin two construction projects on Monday, May 12th with work continuing through the fall. CDOT crews will replace a wall at mile point 56.9, just north of the Coal Bank Pass Summit, and it will stabilize a hillside at mile 59.3 near Deer Creek. Work will take place between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional work on Saturdays. Drivers can expect two traffic signals and delays of up to 20 minutes. CDOT contracted the 3.4 million project to Myers & Sons Construction. Mandatory water restrictions take effect Thursday, May 15th through Monday, September 15th in the City of Cortez. Yard watering is not allowed between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The City of Cortez encourages residents to follow voluntary water guidelines from April through October by avoiding yard watering between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The recommended watering schedule is based on street addresses. Properties with even number addresses should water on even number dates, and odd number addresses should water on odd number dates. Residents can conserve water year round by preventing excess water runoff inside the home, adjusting sprinklers to avoid water running into streets and sidewalks and xeriscaping lawns. For more conservation tips and guidelines, visit the City of Cortez website. The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado and the Colorado Nonprofit Association will host two interactive workshops for nonprofit leaders at TBK Bank in Durango. The first workshop titled "Beyond Governance: Building A Thriving Board-Staff Relationship" will be from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17th. It focuses on communication strategies, role clarification, and relationships between board members and staff. Registration is $50. The second workshop, Board Leadership Bootcamp, will be from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18th. This session targets both new and experienced board members and covers governance fundamentals, fiduciary duties, conflict mitigation, and engagement strategies. Registration is $100 and includes breakfast, coffee, and lunch. Visit the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado's website to register. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Ryan Simonovich.

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

The Festival of Wreaths and online silent auction begins Sunday, Nov. 28. The Cortez Parks and Recreation Department seeks community input in a new semi-annual survey. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.