On a late August Saturday night, following an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team was on their way back to Bathurst when their bus encountered a moose on the highway. Fortunately, apart from the driver sustaining minor scratches, the team and coaches emerged unharmed from the collision.
This incident, reminiscent of many encounters with wildlife in New Brunswick, left a lasting impression on assistant coach Alex Ouellet and the team. Ouellet expressed that the memory will linger, especially during evening and nighttime travels on the same roads.
Coincidentally, the province announced the installation of two new wildlife crossings on the highway where the collision occurred, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent such incidents. These wildlife tunnels, measuring over four meters in height and width, are designed to facilitate the safe passage of animals under the roadway.
According to Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson, the placement of these wildlife mitigation measures is determined based on collision data analysis, aiming to address high-risk areas effectively. While extensive wildlife fencing lines 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways, the tunnels offer a non-intrusive solution for animals to traverse their habitats without endangering motorists.
With 82 wildlife crossings already in place across New Brunswick, the effectiveness of these measures was confirmed by a study conducted over 15 years ago. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes noted that various animals, not just large mammals, utilize the tunnels, emphasizing their intuitive design to guide animals safely.
Despite not observing a significant decrease in collision rates due to the tunnels, the Department of Transportation remains committed to enhancing road safety through strategic mitigation measures. While acknowledging that preventing every collision is challenging, stakeholders like Ouellet emphasize the importance of proactive measures and continued efforts to minimize risks associated with wildlife encounters on highways.