The second phase of the Highway 3 wildlife fencing project aimed at preventing collisions between people and wildlife begins this summer.
Two kilometres of wildlife fencing on each side of the highway east of Sparwood from the Carbon Bridge to Alexander Bridge will be installed during this phase of the Reconnecting the Rockies project. Animal barriers were recently installed on two nearby side roads, Gun Range Road and Fir Road, to help keep wildlife off the highway.
“Protecting wildlife in British Columbia from harm and reconnecting critical wildlife corridors in the Elk Valley are important steps in meeting the goals of the Together for Wildlife Strategy,” said Simoogit Hleek (Chief Harry Nyce Sr.) and Nancy Wilkin, co-chairs of the Ministers’ Wildlife Advisory Council. “We see this support for new fencing and crossings as a positive contribution to keeping wildlife and motorists safer.”
Reconnecting the Rockies is a six-phase project that is developing a series of underpasses and overpasses connected by fencing to provide wildlife with safe passage across Highway 3. The project has been designed using wildlife-tracking data, the locations of past collisions and with the help of local knowledge of wildlife habits.
“Fencing is an essential part of any wildlife crossing project’s success. It helps guide wildlife to safe crossing points and keeps them off roads. Given the growing number of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the Elk Valley, and the rapid return on investment for these kinds of projects, this is a wise investment, and we applaud the Province of B.C.,” says Candace Batycki of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
Funding partners include Parks Canada, Teck Resources, ICBC, the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (administered by BC Hydro, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship) and Together for Wildlife.
Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. has been awarded a $2-million project contract. Construction will begin soon this summer and finish in fall 2024.
During construction there may be minor disruptions to highway traffic, and single-lane-alternating traffic may be required. Drivers are reminded to check DriveBC for updates and construction notices.
Photos: Y2Y & BC Gov
