San Miguel Power Association pulled back plans to close U.S. Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass for several hours at a time starting this week after surprised elected officials in Ouray and Silverton claimed it would deal them a financial blow at the height of tourist season.

The rural electric cooperative had planned to shut down the highway between mile markers 89.5 and 92 for several hours at a time starting July 19 in order to clear timber. The work needs to be done before crews embark on a m...