San Miguel Power Association’s plans to close U.S. Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass starting next week will be delayed again because the Colorado Department of Transportation won’t grant the rural electric cooperative the permit it needs.

CDOT spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes confirmed to the Plaindealer Tuesday afternoon that CDOT will not sign off on SMPA closing a 2 1/2-mile stretch of the highway starting Aug. 9 due to concerns expressed by local elected officials, business owners and...