This corridor, formerly served only by Route 185, is a neuralgic link between Quebec and the Maritimes. Our mandate covered Section 2, one of the seven sections making up the new Autoroute 85 (A85).  

As a trans-Canadian link, it carries a high volume of both automobile and heavy-haul traffic. The construction of this section of a four-lane divided highway had to take into account the high density of wildlife and known areas of crossings used by large wildlife (moose and white-tailed deer), which were the source of frequent accidents. Moreover, this region of the northern Appalachians is also a rich ecosystem (terrestrial and aquatic fauna, peat bogs, lakes, marshes, etc.) and the objective was to put in place measures to preserve it, while allowing the safe passage of thousands of cars and trucks every day.  

The area is also very popular with hunters, fishermen, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, pressure from various groups and associations was very strong to ensure the free circulation of wildlife and protect the environment, without neglecting the safety of motorists. 

All these needs had to be met, and a multidisciplinary team of biologists, engineers and user groups had to work together to pool their expertise and produce an innovative project that would reconcile everyone’s needs and serve as a model for future road projects. 

Norda Stelo and the client (MTMD) considered the concerns of user groups and conservation organizations to fully understand the situation and needs, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions to protect ecosystems while ensuring road safety.  

Our biologists and engineers have meticulously studied, perfected and deployed best roads and environmental practices. Nothing was left to chance: the road layout, water management, the size and density of wildlife crossings, fencing and emergency exits for wildlife and limiting the environmental footprint.  

The design and layout of the wildlife crossings were closely linked to water and habitat management. By offering several crossing options, Section 2 will serve as a veritable open-air laboratory for ensuring the effective use of these crossings and carrying out comparative tests. Extending the bridges over the Rivière Verte by five meters creates a more natural-looking passage, maximizing the chances of success. This is the main aquatic and land passage. On both sides, fences are installed to keep large and small wildlife away from the road, as well as emergency exits in case of intrusion.  

Water management features sedimentation basins that collect drainage and runoff water for filtering, before returning it to the streams. These features also serve as watering holes for the wildlife present, promoting biodiversity.  

Consultation with citizens and government stakeholders enabled Norda Stelo to synthesize, integrate and enhance environmental measures far beyond previous projects in the region. The crossings, based on wildlife movement patterns on either side of section 2, are essential for migration and breeding. In addition, conservation organizations are working to promote ecological connectivity by preserving the natural environments adjacent to the crossings.  

Particular care has been taken to recreate habitats using natural, uncrushed rock in the watercourses. The revegetation of banks and embankments was accelerated by the use of permanent plant meshes and native plants. These measures helped to rapidly restore an environment conducive to biodiversity.  

As a trans-Canada highway link, its widening to four lanes helps to facilitate freight transport and economic activity in the country. According to modelling carried out by researchers, the completed A85 will reduce transportation costs and increase Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) by almost two billion dollars a year. Already, comparing the 1996-2000 period prior to the first work on the A85 with the 2016-2020 period, there has been an 80% reduction in the loss of human life on this road.  

Neighboring provinces and states have expressed interest in the measures implemented during this project. Environmental monitoring of the use of wildlife crossings will be carried out to document the effectiveness of the model and encourage its use elsewhere.   

• Consultation and involvement of public and government stakeholders to fully understand the social and environmental issues at stake, and to identify possible solutions.  

• Thanks to the installation of wildlife crossings under the A85, the free circulation of animals for migration and reproduction purposes is maintained on both sides of the freeway, while remaining safe for road users.   

• The bridges over the Rivière Verte were lengthened by five metres to provide a more natural-looking passage and maximize the chances of success.  

• Creation of a type of wildlife-tight fence that better protects and directs small wildlife to the crossings.  

• Recreating habitats using natural, uncrushed rock in the bottom of affected watercourses. Crushed rock hurts animals and is unsuitable for creating aquatic habitat.  

• Installation of sedimentation basins that collect drainage and runoff water for filtering, before returning it to the streams, thus creating water bodies that promote biodiversity.  

• Use of innovative measures that attract the interest of neighboring provinces and states.  

• Environment, Climate Change and Community (GHG inventory and life cycle analysis)
• Bridges
• Roads