OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — A petition to regulate the types of vehicles allowed in Ogden Canyon has been created after a crash resulted in the death of Utah CEO Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally on Saturday.
“Ogden Canyon, the narrow, two-lane passageway connecting Ogden Valley with the city of Ogden, serves as a lifeline for many citizens in Weber County, UT,” the petition states. “Flanked by the Ogden River on one side and steep mountain cliffs on the other, this precarious piece of infrastructure is a nerve-wracking daily commute for families and young drivers traveling to school and other essential destinations.”
The petition continues to state that the road offers “little to no shoulder width” in sections of the canyon, asserting that larger vehicles pose a “substantial risk” to commuters’ safety.
“We are raising this petition to enforce regulation on the types of vehicles permitted on Highway 39 that transverses the heart of Ogden Canyon,” the petition states. “There is an urgent need to limit the particular categories of vehicles that can drive through this constricted roadway, ensuring the security of all who rely on it.”
The petition goes on to state that while there are economic considerations, those who travel in the area advocate for a “balanced approach,” allowing commercial vehicles that are “safe under these trail conditions, but restricting others that pose a too significant risk.”
Already garnering more than 1,700 signatures of the next goal of 2,500, the petition states that the safety of Weber County residents must take precedence over unrestricted vehicle access.
“Let’s stand together for the safety of our loved ones and residents of Weber County,” the petition states. “Show your support to limiting the types of vehicles on Highway 39 and make daily commuting in our beautiful canyon much safer.”
You can view the petition here.