On a gloomy Saturday evening in late August, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team finished an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves and boarded their team bus to return to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled hearing the driver gasp just a few minutes into the journey. A loud bang followed as the bus collided with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, everyone on board, including the players and coaches, escaped unharmed, except for a few minor scratches on the driver.
The incident left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to others in New Brunswick who have encountered or narrowly avoided large animal collisions. Ouellet mentioned that he would always remember the event, especially while traveling on those roads, particularly in the evening and at night.
Coincidentally, the province announced the installation of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway stretch that week.
To prevent moose from straying onto roadways, New Brunswick employs wildlife fencing and wildlife crossings or tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the placement of these measures is determined based on collision data gathered by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas.
Presently, 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways are flanked by wildlife fencing on both sides. The province has constructed 82 wildlife crossings, including two new tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst installed in summer 2026. These tunnels are spacious, measuring over four meters in height and width, constructed from 11 pre-fabricated concrete segments.
Initial studies conducted over 15 years ago on wildlife tunnels between Saint John and Fredericton showed successful animal usage. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes noted that various animals, not just large mammals, utilized the tunnels, showcasing their effectiveness.
Despite the tunnels, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decline in collisions. In 2024, there were 409 recorded collisions, with 65 causing injuries and one being fatal. Chiasson emphasized the department’s commitment to enhancing safety measures and mitigating collision risks through various strategies.
Ouellet acknowledged that the team would continue to travel the same highway for games and expressed hope for more fencing in the area. While recognizing the challenges of preventing all collisions, he stressed the importance of implementing preventive measures to enhance safety on the roads.