SILVERTON, CO – September 30, 2025 – U.S. Highway 550 will have temporary closures on Friday, October 10, to allow for the safe delivery of newly constructed modular housing units over Coal Bank and Molas Pass to Silverton. The arrival of these units marks a major milestone in Silverton’s ongoing effort to expand affordable housing opportunities.
To allow for the safe transport of the large housing units over Coal Bank and Molas Passes, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will implement temporary closures of U.S Highway 550 between Silverton and Cascade in the morning and afternoon of October 10th. Travelers should plan for delays and adjust travel schedules accordingly.
About the Project
The Anvil Townhome Development is a collaboration led by the Silverton Housing Authority to expand homeownership opportunities in the Town of Silverton. The homes were constructed off-site at Fading West Building Systems in Buena Vista, Colorado, and will be transported to Silverton in eighteen oversized loads. Once completed, the development will provide nine townhomes available for-sale to income-qualifying households, creating new opportunities for families and workers to call Silverton home.
The project has been made possible through more than $1.1 million in grant funding from the State of Colorado and the Colorado Health Foundation, along with generous donations and in-kind contributions from San Juan County, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Purgatory Resort, and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. The new homes will be energy-efficient, supporting both long-term affordability and sustainability, and are designed to remain affordable to the local workforce and community for years to come. The townhomes will be constructed in Anvil Mountain Subdivision, a mixed-income, owner-occupied neighborhood situated on the town’s southwest corner.
“In a small, remote community like Silverton, the impacts of an unaffordable housing market are felt by all,” said Anne Chase, Director of the Silverton Housing Authority. “Guided by the community’s priority to address our housing challenges, this development creates affordable homeownership opportunities that support a strong and connected community.”
Mayor Dayna Kranker shared, “The arrival of these homes reflects our community’s priorities and collaboration. This milestone project offers high-quality homes for folks ready to put down roots, keeping our town strong, vibrant, and welcoming for all.”
The Silverton Housing Authority will be accepting applications from interested buyers until November 3rd. Additional information about the development and qualification requirements are available on the Silverton Housing Authority website.
Traffic Impacts
- Date of closure: Friday, October 10, 2025.
- Location: U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Cascade.
- Duration: Temporary closures between 7am-9am and 3:15pm-5:15pm; both directions.
- Travelers: Motorists should anticipate delays and are encouraged to travel around the scheduled closure times.
- The transport of the units will need to be postponed to another day should inclement weather or other emergencies interfere with operations.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of these affordable housing units is a significant step toward addressing Silverton’s housing challenges and supporting the long-term sustainability of the community. The Town and the Silverton Housing Authority thank residents and travelers for their patience as this important project moves forward.
For additional details about the road closure and Anvil Townhome Development, visit: silvertonhousingauthority.colorado.gov and www.cotrip.org.
Media Contact:
Anne Chase, Housing Director Town of Silverton, Director Silverton Housing Authority
970-880-4087