On a dark Saturday evening in late August, following an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team embarked on their journey back to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet was startled when the bus driver suddenly gasped. “It happened within the first five minutes of the drive,” recalled Ouellet. “I looked up and saw a figure ahead of us, followed by a loud bang.”
The team bus encountered a moose on the highway, resulting in a collision. Fortunately, all team members and coaches escaped unharmed, except for the driver, who sustained minor scratches. Reflecting on the incident, Ouellet emphasized the lasting impact it had on him and the team, especially during evening and nighttime travels.
Coincidentally, the province announced the addition of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway where the collision occurred that week. These crossings, known as wildlife tunnels, are part of the province’s efforts to mitigate incidents of large animals straying onto roadways. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the placement of these measures is informed by collision data provided by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas.
New Brunswick currently features wildlife fencing along both sides of 331 kilometers of highways to deter animal intrusions. However, the province acknowledges the limitations of fencing alone in impeding wildlife movement. This led to the implementation of 82 wildlife crossings, including two new tunnels along Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst in the summer of 2026.
These concrete tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, consist of 11 prefabricated segments, designed to accommodate large animals like moose. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes highlighted the importance of making the tunnels intuitive for animals to encourage their usage, citing successful experiences with similar structures in the past.
Forbes noted that wildlife tunnels are not exclusive to large mammals; various species, including beavers, ducks, bats, skunks, and raccoons, utilize them. Despite the presence of wildlife crossings, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decrease in collisions, with 2024 recording the highest number of incidents in recent data.
While the ultimate goal is to enhance road safety, Chiasson emphasized the importance of implementing effective mitigation strategies in collision-prone areas. Ouellet expressed a sense of reassurance when driving through sections with moose fencing and advocated for additional preventative measures to minimize potential crashes.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the challenges of preventing every collision with wildlife, Ouellet emphasized the importance of proactive measures to enhance road safety and minimize risks associated with animal encounters.