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, shortly after they began the journey. Ouellet described a collision with a moose on the highway but fortunately, everyone on board, except the driver who had minor scratches, emerged unharmed.
The incident left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to many others in New Brunswick who have encountered large animals on the roads. The province recently announced the addition of two new wildlife crossings along the same highway where the collision occurred.
Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the province implements wildlife mitigation measures such as fencing and crossings based on collision data analysis. While extensive wildlife fencing lines 331 kilometers of highways in New Brunswick, the province also has 82 wildlife crossings, including two new tunnels constructed on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst in the summer of 2026.
These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, consist of prefabricated concrete segments, allowing even large vehicles to pass through. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes highlighted the importance of intuitive designs to encourage animals, ranging from bears and moose to ducks and bats, to utilize the crossings effectively.
Despite the presence of wildlife tunnels, the Department of Transportation noted that collision rates have not significantly decreased, with 409 collisions in 2024, including injuries and one fatality. Chiasson emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance road safety through various measures, including brush clearing for better visibility.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area but acknowledged the challenges of preventing every potential crash. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure safer travels on the highways frequented by the Chaleur Lightning team.
