Ouray County commissioners plan to close County Road 361 to vehicle access and revert to over-the-snow travel only on March 1, after it became clear Tuesday that negotiations with Ouray Silver Mines Inc. officials regarding a winter maintenance agreement reached an impasse.

Commissioners unanimously voted to direct staff to stop working on a draft contract, which had already been through multiple workshops and revisions, until the mine, which is for sale, is bought by new owners. They also expres...