Wildlife activists urge action as Olympic announcement brings renewed attention to local roadway safety

On July 24, 2024, Save People Save Wildife supporters held up banners calling for wildlife crossings on 224. Photo: Erin Ferguson

Nonprofit organization Save People Save Wildlife continues to advocate for safe wildlife passages along SR-224

PARK CITY, Utah — Save People Save Wildlife (SPSW) demonstrated along SR-224 today, July 24, 2024, by the McPolin Barn, coinciding with Park City Mayor Nann Worel and the rest of the Utah delegation celebrating the 2034 Olympics announcement in Paris. Signs were held up stating, “Olympic visitors at risk, SR 224 needs wildlife crossings,” “Wildlife crossings needed,” and “Shame on Park City & Mayor Worel.”

Erin Ferguson, President of SPSW, had previously reported substantial public support as the group held up banners during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. “UDOT has communicated publicly what they are not going to do. They are disregarding the results and recommendations of their own taxpayer-commissioned studies,” said Ferguson. “Carlos Braceras [Utah Department of Transportation’s executive director], at a Utah Transportation Commission meeting last fall, stated, ‘It is incumbent upon UDOT to do something’ regarding wildlife safe passage along SR-224. So, the question remains: What are they going to do? Because doing nothing and ignoring the public safety concerns when there is an already proposed solution… that’s unacceptable.”

The announcement of the 2034 Winter Olympics for Utah brings additional urgency to the issue. “There is an environmental stewardship arm of the Olympic Committee that is in line with the Vision Plans of both Summit County and Park City… protect the environment and set aside open space and critical wildlife habitat and keep wildlife from our busy roadways,” Ferguson stated.

“Perhaps we can pursue funding via the Olympics for crossings now that the 2034 Olympics for Utah has formally been announced.”

Ferguson emphasized the necessity of addressing the issue promptly as the city prepares for increased traffic with the 2034 Olympics. “They estimated 80,000 cars per day on 224 alone during the Olympics,” she noted.

Supporters will hold banners again this evening, from 5 to 6 p.m., on 224 by the turn to Utah Olympic Park. SPSW hopes to “educate the community and keep the narrative in the spotlight until a solution is achieved,” added Ferguson.

SPSW, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, supports wildlife and wildlife connectivity in Summit County, UT. This community-supported organization strives to protect local wildlife by finding safe crossing options to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions.