On a late August Saturday evening, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team finished an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves and boarded their bus to return to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled the moment the driver suddenly gasped while driving, leading to a collision with a moose on the highway shortly after they began their journey. Fortunately, everyone on the bus, including the team and coaches, escaped unharmed, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches.
The encounter with the moose left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to the experiences of other New Brunswickers who have faced large animal collisions or near-misses. Ouellet mentioned that he will always remember the incident, especially when traveling on the roads at night.
Coincidentally, the same week saw the announcement of two new wildlife crossings being added to the highway stretch where the collision occurred. These wildlife crossings, including wildlife fencing and concrete tunnels, aim to prevent animals like moose from straying onto roadways.
Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the province determines the placement of these mitigation measures based on collision data provided by law enforcement, focusing on areas with the highest collision rates. Presently, 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways are lined with wildlife fencing on both sides.
However, the province also recognizes the necessity for wildlife to move freely within their territories for foraging and other activities. To address this, New Brunswick has established 82 wildlife crossings, such as concrete tunnels, throughout the region. The newly installed tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst are over four meters tall and wide, allowing even large vehicles to pass through.
Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes emphasized the importance of making the tunnels intuitive for animals to use effectively. He noted that various wildlife species, not just large mammals like moose, utilize these underpasses, showing the tunnels’ broader ecological impact.
Despite the presence of wildlife crossings, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decrease in collisions. In 2024, there were 409 reported collisions, with 65 resulting in injuries and one fatality. Chiasson highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures, including brush clearing to improve visibility on roadways.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area to enhance safety for drivers and wildlife. While acknowledging the challenges of preventing every collision, he emphasized the importance of implementing preventive measures to mitigate risks on the roads.