A contract valued at just over $1 million has been awarded to Harvey Gale and Son Limited for the installation of wildlife fencing on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Salmonier Line.

The project includes fencing along approximately two kilometres of highway westbound of Route 90 and approximately four kilometres in the eastbound direction. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

In collaboration with the Save our People Action Committee (SOPAC), the Provincial Government continues to explore moose fencing as a possible measure to help improve safety on provincial highways along hot-spot locations in the province. This initiative builds upon previous moose fencing pilots in the province, as well as the 17 kilometres of moose fencing installed on the west coast near Stephenville.

Government also contributes $30,000 annually for SOPAC’s Moose Sightings Hotline and public awareness campaigns. A vegetation suppression program is also being explored which will help slow growth in areas where brush clearing has occurred.

Budget 2024 includes $5 million to help mitigate moose-vehicle collisions, with $4 million 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 the previous year.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“The safety of the travelling public is paramount for our government, and we continue to focus on measures such as moose fencing to help mitigate collisions. Collaboration with stakeholders such as SOPAC is integral to our efforts, as we determine the most appropriate initiatives to help increase highway safety. The fencing in the Salmonier Line area builds upon our ongoing efforts.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“We continue to partner with the Provincial Government to help improve safety on our roadways through initiatives that can help reduce moose-vehicle accidents. We recognize the impact these collisions have on individuals and families, and we will continue to work together to help reduce these impacts. We look forward to continued funding in regard to this very important initiative.”
Art Puddister
Treasurer, SOPAC

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