On a dim Saturday evening in late August, the Chaleur Lightning hockey squad finished an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves and got on the team bus to return to Bathurst.
Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled the moment when the driver suddenly gasped. “It happened within the first few minutes of the journey,” Ouellet recounted. “I glanced up and saw a figure ahead of us, followed by a loud bang.” The team bus had collided with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, Ouellet mentioned that the team and coaches emerged unscathed, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches.
Reflecting on the close encounter with a large animal, Ouellet acknowledged it as a memorable experience that will linger. “Every time I travel those roads, especially in the evening and at night, I’ll definitely be thinking about it,” he noted.
Coincidentally, during that same week, the province disclosed plans to introduce two new wildlife crossings on that specific highway segment.
The province has implemented strategies to deter moose from straying onto roadways, such as wildlife fencing and crossings or tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson stated that the placement of these measures is guided by collision data provided by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas.
Presently, both sides of 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways are shielded by wildlife fencing. However, Chiasson highlighted the need for wildlife crossings to allow animals to move through their habitats without restriction.
There are a total of 82 wildlife crossings, including concrete tunnels beneath the highway, across various regions in New Brunswick. Notably, two tunnels were recently integrated into Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst. These tunnels are spacious, measuring over four meters tall and wide, constructed from 11 prefabricated concrete segments.
Research conducted after the installation of wildlife tunnels on Route 7 between Saint John and Fredericton demonstrated their effectiveness in facilitating the passage of various wildlife species, as confirmed by wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes.
Forbes emphasized the importance of ensuring that the tunnels are easily accessible and intuitive for animals to utilize. He elaborated on the design features that guide animals towards the underpasses, promoting safe passage.
Furthermore, Forbes observed that the tunnels aren’t solely utilized by large mammals but also attract smaller creatures like beavers, ducks, bats, skunks, and raccoons.
Despite the implementation of wildlife tunnels, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decline in collisions. The highest recorded collision count in recent years was in 2024, with 409 incidents, including 65 causing injuries and one fatality.
Chiasson reiterated the department’s commitment to enhancing road safety by strategically implementing mitigation measures in collision-prone areas, in addition to exploring other options like vegetation management.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the vicinity to enhance safety measures. He acknowledged the challenge of preventing every collision but stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with wildlife encounters.
