As part of the ongoing efforts to mitigate moose-vehicle collisions in the province, approximately $1 million has been allocated again this year for an additional 5.5 kilometres of moose fencing along the Trans-Canada Highway. The fencing will be an extension of the recently completed section near Route 90 (Salmonier Line), which is known to be an area of high moose-vehicle incidents.

A tender for the moose fencing work has been issued, with work on the project anticipated to begin later this year. Information on open calls for bids issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

The additional moose fencing this year is one of several measures aimed at improving road safety and helping minimize moose-vehicle collisions in Newfoundland and Labrador. Support of $4 million has also been allocated for brush clearing and a vegetation suppression program to help slow re-growth in areas where brush clearing has occurred. Last year, funding for brush clearing was increased from $2 million to $4 million annually.

These efforts are further enhanced by the continued collaboration with the Save Our People Action Committee (SOPAC) through annual support of $30,000 to SOPAC for its Moose Sightings Hotline and public awareness campaigns.

Quotes
“Safety on our roadways is paramount for our government, and we are expanding on previous moose fencing initiatives as a measure to help improve safety, particularly in areas where we have a high number of moose-vehicle collisions. It is one measure among several initiatives aimed at reducing these collisions such as brush clearing and vegetation suppression efforts. We will continue to work collaboratively with SOPAC in our efforts to mitigate moose-vehicle incidents in our province.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I’m delighted for the continuation of moose fencing. It is an important measure aimed at reducing collisions, along with brush cutting, which is already underway. Our government is pleased to continue this focus alongside SOPAC, with a shared goal of reducing the number of moose-vehicle accidents along our highways. ‘Until it happens to you’ has always been my message. Let’s continue this great work.”
Lucy Stoyles
MHA Mount Pearl North

“This announcement could not have come at a better time. As summer starts, more families and tourists hit the highways for vacations and road trips, increasing the chance of moose-vehicle collisions. SOPAC is very pleased with the continued support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. With another 5.5 kilometres of fencing being erected, we are saving lives and keeping our roadways safer.”
Tara Chafe
Save Our People Action Committee (SOPAC)

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