Data is being gathered about a wildlife underpass on Hwy. 3 near Jaffray that was completed in July 2021.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), the Jaffray underpass is meant to serve as a safe passage for wildlife and cattle to cross Hwy. 3 and avoid incidents with vehicles.
The location on Hwy. 3 near Jaffray “was chosen to address historical vehicle wildlife conflicts along that highway corridor.”
“The underpass is a 2.9 metre culvert infilled with a pathway. Wildlife fencing helps direct animals towards the underpass.”
The pass cost around $400,000 to construct, with funding coming from MOTI’s Jaffray Passing Lane project.
“The underpass is intended to accommodate deer, potentially elk, bears, badgers and any other small animals in the area.
“2022 is the first year since the completion of the project so usage data is currently being gathered. Wildlife monitoring cameras will be installed to help with that data gathering.
“Fencing around either end of the culvert has been modified in consultation with the Ministry of Forests to ensure it can be both useful for wildlife passage and also accommodate the needs of livestock movement.”
READ MORE: Investigation: Which stretch of B.C. Highway 3 sees the most wildlife collisions?
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josh.fischlin@thefreepress.ca
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