Resident urges Duchesne County Commission to fix deteriorating Union Canyon Highway

Ray Snyder, who lives at 11559 North Union Canyon Highway, told the Duchesne County Commission on Nov. 17 that the stretch of roadway serving his neighborhood has been neglected for decades and is now dangerous.

Snyder said he has lived on the road for 35 years and brought commissioners photos and a video showing “potholes big enough up there to bury somebody in.” He described repeated attempts to get action from state and tribal partners: he said the tribe was initially “gung ho” about repairs but subsequent follow-up stalled and a promised state meeting had not yet produced work. He asked the commission to continue advocating and to help arrange follow-up meetings with the tribe and state transportation officials.

Commissioners acknowledged they have met with tribal representatives recently and said county staff are working to schedule a second, more detailed meeting to discuss roads and maintenance. Commissioners and staff encouraged Snyder to keep providing documentation and said renewed pressure from residents, including tribal members, would help move repair work forward.

Snyder warned of potential liability if a serious crash or injury occurred on the road and urged the county to act before the next high season for road use. Commissioners thanked Snyder for bringing his materials and said staff would continue coordination with tribal and state partners.

The commission did not take a formal vote related to the road at the meeting. The county will pursue scheduling the next coordination meeting with the tribe and report back to Snyder and the board.