The Provincial Government is making an investment of $5 million to improve the visibility of moose along provincially operated highways. The initiatives, which stem from collaboration with the Save our People Action Committee (SOPAC), will help prevent moose-vehicle accidents, and ultimately improve highway safety.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation, made the announcement today at the Memorial University Botanical Garden, where he was joined by Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North, and members of SOPAC.

Of the $5 million, $4 million is allocated for brush clearing and $1 million for moose fencing on provincially operated highways. The $4 million allocated for brush clearing represents a $2 million increase from last year.

A tender for moose fencing will be issued today and will include approximately two kilometres westbound of Route 90 and approximately four kilometres eastbound of Route 90. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

Additionally, the Provincial Government continues to invest in initiatives aimed at helping minimize moose-vehicle collisions in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes 17 kilometres of moose fencing on the west coast near Stephenville, as well as the $30,000 annually for SOPAC’s Moose Sightings Hotline and public awareness campaigns.

Building on previous moose fencing pilots in the province, the Provincial Government continues to explore moose fencing as a possible measure to help improve safety on provincial highways along additional hot-spot locations in the province. A vegetation suppression program is also being explored which will help slow growth in areas where brush clearing has occurred.

Quotes

“The safety of our travelling public on our highways is a top priority for our government, including mitigating moose-vehicle collisions. I am delighted to make this announcement to continue to enhance highway safety and reduce moose-vehicle incidents, as well as continue to build upon our own relationship with SOPAC. We are continuing to invest in additional brush clearing efforts, vegetation suppression and other sections of highway for moose fencing.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Moose accidents have changed so many lives, not to mention the associated financial burden these accidents have cost the province’s healthcare system. Today’s announcement highlights the government’s commitment to improve highway safety related to moose sightings in the province.”
Lucy Stoyles
MHA Mount Pearl North

“We are delighted to join with our government partners today and continue our work to help reduce moose-vehicle accidents. We know that our collective efforts can make a difference, even if it’s one accident that we help prevent. We look forward to our continued collaboration on this important topic that affects all residents of the province.”
Art Puddister
Treasurer, SOPAC

-30-