As the Sundance Film Festival approaches, Park City officials are preparing for the influx of visitors by enacting a series of parking restrictions aimed at managing traffic and ensuring safety in the city. The festival, which runs from January 22 to February 1, marks the last time it will be held in Park City before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. In anticipation of the festival, the city government will begin implementing parking restrictions in the Main Street area starting this weekend. City Hall is gearing up for the expected surge in attendees by releasing its annual Community Guide, which outlines the various impacts on local residents and businesses during the festival period. This publication is crucial for both residents and visitors to understand the changes that will take place in the community, particularly regarding traffic and parking. Given that the festival typically draws large crowds, the city is taking significant steps to mitigate congestion and parking issues that often arise during this time. The Community Guide specifies a comprehensive list of parking restrictions that will begin to take effect on Saturday, January 10. Key areas affected include Bob Wells Plaza on Swede Alley, which will remain closed until January 30, and the northern end of the Brew Pub lot, which will close until February 1. Additionally, the parking lot adjacent to the Marsac Building will experience partial closures from January 21 to February 1, and Park Avenue between Heber Avenue and 9th Street will also be closed from January 22 to February 1. These closures are expected to have a significant impact on parking availability in the Main Street core. The restrictions will intensify during the festival's opening weekend, one of the busiest periods, spanning from January 22 to January 27. During this time, Main Street, Heber Avenue, the lots on Swede Alley, the Brew Pub lot, the west side of Park Avenue, and the flagpole lot will all be restricted. However, the city has made provisions for certain groups; the Brew Pub lot will still be accessible for those with disabled placards, while the west side of Park Avenue will allow parking for residents. Furthermore, the flagpole lot will remain available for individuals with employee parking permits. In addition to parking lot closures, the city is also imposing street access restrictions in the Main Street core from January 22 to February 1. For instance, Hillside Avenue will only be accessible to drivers with a residential access pass, and Park Avenue in Old Town will be converted to a one-way northbound street, with exceptions for residents who hold access passes. Swede Alley will similarly be restricted to those with residential access passes or disabled placards. These measures are designed to limit traffic flow and ensure that local residents can navigate their neighborhood without undue disruption. City Hall has already distributed residential access passes to qualifying addresses in late December. For those residents who have not received their passes by January 15, the city has advised visiting the Marsac Building to obtain them. It is important to note that these residential access passes do not function as parking permits, a distinction that residents should be aware of as they prepare for the festival. The rationale behind these parking and access restrictions is to discourage non-residential traffic in Old Town, where congestion can reach its peak during the festival. The city has emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines, urging drivers to avoid cutting through residential areas. Additional security measures will be in place to deter cut-through traffic during the festival, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining safety and order during this high-traffic event. For those seeking information about the festival's impact on the community, the Community Guide is readily available on the official Park City website. City officials encourage residents and visitors alike to consult this resource to better navigate the changes that will unfold during the festival. As the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City draws near, the city is taking significant precautions to ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy the event while minimizing disruptions to daily life. In conclusion, as Park City prepares for the Sundance Film Festival, the implementation of parking restrictions and access limitations reflects a proactive approach to managing the expected influx of visitors. With the festival slated to draw large crowds, these measures are designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow and maintain local residents’ quality of life during this celebrated cultural event.