‘Dangerous Drives’ airs tonight

Million Dollar Highway, locals spotlighted for SPEED channel program

 

By Kati O’Hare
Montrose Daily Press
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, November 26, 2009 4:12 AM MST

MONTROSE ” The stretch of Highway 550 from Ouray to Silverton is one of the most scenic drives in the country. It can also be argued that it is among the most dangerous.

On Monday morning, Jerry Wilson and his son, Jeremiah, both of Wilson Lake Trucking Company, were overheard talking with Parish Oil tucker Devin Wilson (no relation) at Montrose Truck Stop.

The words “Oh, yeah” and “Oh, no” peppered their conversation as they shared tales of close calls and hair-raising experiences driving the section of 550 called the Million Dollar Highway. The road stretches over the 11,008-foot Red Mountain Pass.


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Their stories of steering their large 18-wheel trailers full of diesel into the snow bank to maneuver around the highway’s sharp corners puts into perspective the risks that truckers, emergency and road crews, as well as hundreds of travelers, take when cruising this scenic highway.

The road’s sheer drop-offs have robbed dozen of lives, and memorials along the side of the road remind others they can’t be too cautious.

It all caught the attention of field producer and director Andy Seestedt, and now, Red Mountain’s notoriety has earned it a spot in a new series for the Speed Channel ” “Dangerous Drives.”

“When we found the format we were looking for (for the series), I immediately thought of the Million Dollar Highway,” Seestedt said.

For the full story, see today's print edition. The online story may not reflect all relevant information that was reported. We encourage readers to obtain the full story by reading the print edition or our e-edition, To subscribe, call (970) 252-7081 or click on the subscription link on the main page.
 

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Comments

    Greg Munro wrote on Jan 17, 2010 2:26 PM:

    " Just saw the episode
    It was good to see Jerry and Jeremiah again! "

    Report Abuse


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