Earlier this month, the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a series of initiatives that will aim to reduce the number of moose-vehicle collisions.
The plan consists of pilot projects that will involve wildlife fending and wildlife detection systems. Brush clearing will also be undertaken, and public awareness efforts won’t be spared, either.
“The initiatives announced are aimed at reducing the number of moose-vehicle collisions in this province, and it is important for us to understand what works well here, in our environment,” said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works.
Approximately $2.5 million will be spent to install a 15-km test section of fence, which will include “bouldering”, a strategic placement or rock boulders at the ends of the fence to prevent wildlife from entering the roadway.
Using sensor technology, wildlife detection systems will be installed at various locations and will cost another $600,000; when wildlife is detected, warning lights will flash to get the motorists’ attention.
A new Collision Data Management System using GPS coordinates will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Works; it will record vehicle collision data, including moose-vehicle collisions.
Finally, a $1 million investment has been added to the existing $2 million annual budget to clear brushes and controlling vegetation along the highways.
The plan consists of pilot projects that will involve wildlife fending and wildlife detection systems. Brush clearing will also be undertaken, and public awareness efforts won’t be spared, either.
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“The initiatives announced are aimed at reducing the number of moose-vehicle collisions in this province, and it is important for us to understand what works well here, in our environment,” said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works.
Approximately $2.5 million will be spent to install a 15-km test section of fence, which will include “bouldering”, a strategic placement or rock boulders at the ends of the fence to prevent wildlife from entering the roadway.
Using sensor technology, wildlife detection systems will be installed at various locations and will cost another $600,000; when wildlife is detected, warning lights will flash to get the motorists’ attention.
A new Collision Data Management System using GPS coordinates will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Works; it will record vehicle collision data, including moose-vehicle collisions.
Finally, a $1 million investment has been added to the existing $2 million annual budget to clear brushes and controlling vegetation along the highways.