A Major Step Forward for Wildlife and Safety on SR-224
- Kelsey Miklavcic
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Rock Design Associates releases the Phase 1 Park City Connectivity Report in partnership with Save People Save Wildlife
Big news, Park City! The results of months of collaboration, research, and community partnership are in — and they mark a milestone for wildlife, safety, and our shared mountain home.
Save People Save Wildlife (SPSW) is proud to announce the release of the Rock Design Associates (RDA) Phase 1 Park City Connectivity Report, an independent, science-based engineering assessment of the SR-224 corridor between mile markers 7 and 9.
This stretch of road — from the iconic McPolin Barn through the Snyderville Basin — is one of the most dangerous for both wildlife and drivers. Each year, dozens of deer, elk, and moose are struck and killed along this route. The RDA report gives us, for the first time, an objective blueprint for how to fix it.
Why This Matters
Park City’s beauty is defined by its open spaces, majestic wildlife, and the delicate balance between nature and our vibrant community. But as traffic increases — especially with new development and in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympics — that balance is under pressure.
The Phase 1 Report identifies feasible, evidence-based solutions to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve motorist safety. The RDA team, working alongside SPSW and partners including UDOT, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Park City Municipal, Summit County, and regional experts, analyzed site-specific conditions to determine what will truly work along SR-224.
Among their key recommendations:
Improved signage and driver awareness measures
Targeted fencing and wildlife monitoring cameras
Roadway modifications for better sightlines and lower speeds
Exploration of wildlife detection sensors
Assessment of potential overpasses and underpasses to reconnect fragmented habitat
“These findings give Park City a clearer path forward,” said Erin Ferguson, SPSW President. “By grounding solutions in science, data, and collaboration, we can protect both our wildlife and the people who travel this road every day.”
Collaboration in Action
In July 2025, the RDA team hosted a site visit and workshop that brought together local leaders, engineers, and biologists to observe current conditions and explore design opportunities. Participants included wildlife expert Tony Clevenger, transportation specialists, and representatives from SPSW, Park City, and Summit County, UDOT, DWR, and HVT.
Their collective input shaped a phased strategy that balances mobility, aesthetics, and ecological function — ensuring that any future mitigation measures reflect Park City’s unique identity and environmental values.
“This project shows what’s possible when community passion meets professional expertise,” said Lorelei Combs, SPSW Vice President. “It’s about ensuring that the wildlife we all love has safe passage throughout our growing community.”
What’s Next
Phase 1 provides the foundation for Phase 2, which will advance into design, permitting, and construction planning for wildlife connectivity solutions. To get there, SPSW will continue working with state and local partners — and with supporters like you — to secure the funding needed to bring these recommendations to life.
This work wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of donors, including the John C. Kish Foundation, and the incredible community members who believe that Park City can be a thriving town alongside our resident wildlife.
Together, we are building a legacy of safety, environmental stewardship, and coexistence.
Read the Full Report
You can view the full Rock Design Associates Phase 1 Park City Connectivity Report here: 👉 Read the Full Report Here
How You Can Help
This is only the beginning — and your support makes the difference. Every donation helps fund the next phase of wildlife-safe design and implementation along SR-224.
Let’s Keep Park City Wild — and Safe
From the first wildlife silhouettes to the upcoming connectivity designs, this community continues to lead by example. Thank you for joining with us to protect the wildlife that also call this beautiful place home.
