On a late August Saturday night, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team finished an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves and boarded their bus back to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a tense moment when the driver suddenly gasped. Within minutes, the bus collided with a moose on the highway, but fortunately, everyone on board, except for some minor scratches on the driver, emerged unharmed.
This close encounter left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, a common experience for many New Brunswickers who have faced similar situations. The incident coincided with the province’s announcement of the installation of two new wildlife crossings in the same area.
New Brunswick employs various methods to prevent wildlife, particularly moose, from straying onto roads, such as wildlife fencing and tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that these measures are strategically placed based on collision data to address high-risk areas. While extensive wildlife fencing lines both sides of 331 kilometers of highways, the province has also constructed 82 wildlife crossings, including recently added tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst.
These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, are designed to accommodate various wildlife species safely. Research conducted on earlier tunnel installations revealed that animals quickly adapt to using them, promoting safer passage across highways. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes emphasized the importance of intuitive designs to guide animals towards these underpasses effectively.
Apart from large mammals like moose, the tunnels have also been utilized by a range of wildlife, including beavers, ducks, and bats. Despite the presence of these crossings, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decrease in collision rates, with 2024 recording the highest number of collisions. Chiasson reiterated the department’s commitment to enhancing road safety through targeted mitigation efforts, including bush clearing for improved visibility.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area but acknowledged the challenges of completely preventing collisions. While measures like moose fencing provide a sense of security, he recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to minimize risks and ensure safe travels on the highways.