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 moment when the bus driver suddenly gasped. Within minutes of the drive, they collided with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, all team members and coaches escaped unharmed, except for a few scratches on the driver.
The encounter left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to many New Brunswickers who have faced close calls with wildlife. The incident coincided with the announcement of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway stretch.
In an effort to prevent such collisions, the province employs wildlife fencing and crossings, guided by collision data analysis. Despite extensive wildlife fencing along 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways, wildlife tunnels are also essential. Currently, there are 82 wildlife crossings, including newly installed tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst.
These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, facilitate safe passage for various wildlife species. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes emphasized the importance of intuitive design to encourage animal use of the tunnels effectively. Forbes noted that besides large mammals, smaller animals like beavers, ducks, bats, skunks, and raccoons also utilize the underpasses.
While the transportation department aims to enhance road safety through mitigation measures, the effectiveness of wildlife tunnels in reducing collisions remains inconclusive. Despite the high collision numbers in recent years, efforts continue to prioritize safety through various strategies, including brush clearing and enhanced guidelines.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing measures in the area to enhance safety during travel. Acknowledging the inherent challenges, he emphasized the importance of proactive measures to minimize the risk of wildlife collisions on highways.
