On a dim Saturday evening in August, the Chaleur Lightning hockey squad completed an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves and embarked on their journey back to Bathurst aboard the team bus. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a sudden gasp from the driver shortly after the departure. “It happened within the first five minutes of the drive,” Ouellet recounted. “I glanced up and saw a figure in front of us, followed by a loud bang.”
The team bus collided with a moose on the highway, but fortunately, all team members and coaches emerged unharmed, except for the driver, who sustained minor scratches. This incident, akin to many encounters with large animals in New Brunswick, left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team. “Every time I travel those roads, especially in the evening and at night, I will definitely be thinking about it,” Ouellet remarked.
Coincidentally, the province announced the addition of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway where the collision occurred that very week. These crossings include wildlife tunnels and fencing to deter moose from straying onto roadways. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the placement of these mitigation measures is determined based on collision data and hot spot locations identified by law enforcement.
Currently, 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways are protected by wildlife fencing on both sides. Despite the extensive fencing, the province recognizes the necessity for wildlife to move through their habitats freely. Hence, 82 wildlife crossings, including expansive concrete tunnels, have been strategically installed at various locations in New Brunswick, such as the new tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst.
These tunnels, standing over four meters tall and wide, consist of 11 prefabricated concrete segments. Chiasson emphasized their size, stating, “You could drive a tractor-trailer through it, it’s that big.” Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes, who conducted research on the impact of wildlife tunnels, noted the successful utilization of these passages by various animals, not just large mammals.
Despite the implementation of wildlife tunnels, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decrease in collisions. In 2024, there were 409 collisions reported, with 65 causing injuries and one resulting in a fatality. Chiasson reiterated the department’s commitment to enhancing safety measures and minimizing collisions by employing various strategies, including brush clearance along highways.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for increased fencing in the area but acknowledged the challenges of preventing every crash. “You try to make the best of a tough situation and implement the most preventive measures you can,” he concluded.