The Colorado Department of Transportation will open US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork to weekend travel starting Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 a.m. Drivers should expect winter weather, several work zones and construction delays.

The highway will close again Monday, November 16 at 6:00 a.m. The closure will let contractors finish a week of paving work. The department plans to open the pass for good ahead of Thanksgiving.

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"The quick opening of Wolf Creek Pass reconnects communities recovering from the devastating flooding and also helps winter enthusiasts and visitors reach the region to support Colorado's local economies and small businesses. Thank you to the Colorado Department of Transportation, first responders, and local communities in the area for working hard to help fellow Coloradans and to open up roads and highways," said Governor Polis.

"This weekend's opening gives the Pagosa Springs community a welcome reprieve from detours and provides winter enthusiasts access to early-season snow," said Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "While next week's full closure will cause temporary disruptions, keeping the roadway clear allows our crews to work uninterrupted to finish paving before Thanksgiving."

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Drivers should expect trips over the pass to feel very different. The mountain highway is known for steep grades, sharp curves and bad weather. Now it has added challenges. Road crews will be repairing heavy flood damage at several spots along the 26-mile mountain route. Barriers, signs and traffic signals will guide drivers through work sites and damaged areas on both the west and east sides of the pass.

Drivers are urged to slow down. They should watch for changing lane layouts, sudden stops and construction vehicles entering the road. For the safety of drivers and highway workers, no stopping, parking or standing outside of vehicles is allowed along the highway shoulder on US 160. Lower speed limits will be strictly enforced.

A weekend storm is expected to bring heavy snow to the high country. Safety closures are possible if conditions call for them. The National Weather Service expected snow to build up Friday evening through Sunday morning in southwest Colorado. Icy, slick and snow-packed roads are expected during that time.

Travel details:

US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, from mile point 157 to 184, is scheduled to open Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 a.m. It will fully close Monday, November 16 at 6:00 a.m.

South Fork to Wolf Creek Summit: Drivers should allow up to 40 minutes of extra travel time between South Fork and the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Plan for full stops at all hours, alternating traffic and delays of up to 20 minutes. These will happen at two separate work zones through The Narrows, at Mile Point 183 and 176. Temporary traffic signals will guide single-lane traffic at each spot. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution in narrow lanes.

Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Summit: Eastbound and westbound travel between Pagosa Springs and the Wolf Creek Ski Area will be limited to one lane in each direction, with lower speeds. Drivers will pass through about 10 miles of shifting traffic patterns and narrow or reduced lanes. Concrete barriers and signs will guide drivers through damaged areas and work zones. Drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert.

Anyone planning to travel should check the latest weather and visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions and travel impacts.