On Thursday the Park City Council unanimously directed city staff to work with Save People Save Wildlife, which has long advocated for additional safety measures, particularly on state Route 224.
The direction came during a discussion of the federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which awards grants to projects intended to protect motorists and wildlife.
Park City Transportation Planning Manager Julia Collins told the council that city staff have talked with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) about such projects.
“Currently we’re working with UDOT to evaluate fencing alternatives,” Collins said. “UDOT is willing to upgrade the fencing and explore options outside of a grant, but collaborating with us… we think we could be relatively quick and nimble to move forward with fencing in this area.”
Along with fencing, the council voiced support for exploring new sensor technology that could track wildlife.
Any project on state Route 224, which runs between Kimball Junction and Park City proper, would require UDOT’s permission because it maintains the road.
According to data from Save People Save Wildlife, nearly 50 animals were killed on state Route 224 last year, including deer, elk and moose.
The nonprofit has installed reflective deer and elk silhouettes on the road to raise motorist awareness.
For years the group has lobbied Park City and UDOT to take greater action to prevent vehicle-wildlife collisions. Save People Save Wildlife could not be reached for comment in time for this story’s publication.
The nonprofit has also been critical of High Valley Transit’s plan to widen state Route 224 by 10 feet to create dedicated bus lanes.
Park City Municipal is a financial supporter of KPCW.
