Ten kilometres of new wildlife-exclusion fencing will be built along the Coquihalla Highway south of Merritt, increasing safety for motorists by preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

“Wildlife on our highways present a potential hazard to motorists and can catch drivers off guard,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “Increasing the length of exclusion fencing along some of our busier routes, such as the Coquihalla, will keep our wildlife populations – and motorists – safe.”

This fencing is an important safety tool that reduces the number of animals that are killed or injured every year on B.C.’s highways. The exclusion fencing works by connecting into existing underpasses, allowing for the safe movement of animal populations under the highway.

Ten kilometres of fencing will be built south of Merritt, from the Kane Valley Overpass to Rusty Pitt, 22 kilometres south of Merritt. This fencing adds to the 160 kilometres of fencing that already exists on the Coquihalla Highway.

There is approximately 500 kilometres of wildlife-exclusion fencing throughout the province, as well as overpasses and underpasses designed for the safe movement of habitat. In addition, the Province is piloting two new wildlife detection systems on Highway 3, near Elko and Sparwood. Flashing warning signs alert drivers when a large animal approaches the roadway, allowing the driver to slow down and avoid a collision. These locations were selected for the pilot systems because of the high concentration of elk and deer in the area.

The contract to install wildlife-exclusion fencing is now posted on BC Bid. Work will begin in the fall.