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 of their journey, a collision occurred between the team bus and a moose on the highway. Fortunately, everyone on board, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches, emerged unharmed.
This harrowing encounter with a large animal left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, a sentiment shared by many in New Brunswick 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 deter moose from venturing onto roadways, such as wildlife fencing and crossings. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the placement of these measures is determined based on collision data provided by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas. Currently, 331 kilometers of highways in the province are lined with wildlife fencing on both sides.
In efforts to facilitate safe wildlife passage, the province has constructed 82 wildlife crossings, including two recent tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst. These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, are designed to accommodate large animals like moose. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes noted that these tunnels are effective in guiding animals safely under the highway, as observed in previous installations on Route 7.
Forbes emphasized that the tunnels are not exclusive to large mammals, with various wildlife species utilizing them. Despite the presence of wildlife crossings, the Department of Transportation reported no significant decrease in collisions, with 409 incidents recorded in 2024, including injuries and one fatality. Chiasson reiterated the department’s commitment to enhancing road safety through strategic mitigation efforts, including brush clearing for better visibility.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the region while acknowledging the challenges of preventing every collision. He stressed the importance of implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure safer travels for all road users.