Federal Infrastructure Investment Conservation Gains – Route 117

Parks Canada is committed to integrating environmental protection with visitor experience and infrastructure upgrades. The rehabilitation of Route 117 is an innovative infrastructure project which spans across 24 kilometers of highway. This new project allows Kouchibouguac National Park to make important resource conservations gains, especially as it relates to the restoration of aquatic habitats and fauna conservation.

The aquatic habitat is indispensable for the survival of the fish population. In order to restore this habitat, fifty-eight new cement culverts were installed underneath Route 117 in 2015, reconnecting six streams whose flow had been obstructed by the collapse of older infrastructure. Nearly half of the new culverts installed are equipped with current deflectors which promote fish movement, helps them complete their migration, and provides them with a refuge during the spring and autumn high tides. Because they depend on the aquatic habitat to complete their reproductive cycle, it is estimated that more than ten species of frogs and salamanders will benefit from this restoration.

In addition to the installation of new culverts, four crossings (or tunnels) have been designed and installed in key areas in order to ensure safe passage under the road for the Wood turtle (a species at risk) and amphibians such as salamanders and frogs. The final step, which was the installation of the fences, was completed in the fall of 2016. These fences are approximately fifty centimetres in height and are connected to the fauna crossings and culverts, creating a network of 3.5 km along the highway. These structures serve to funnel and safely guide amphibians, reptiles, and other small animals that need to cross the road for their annual migration through these underground tunnels.

Parks Canada is a recognized world leader in conservation. Through projects like this Parks Canada takes actions to preserve national parks and contribute to the recovery of species-at-risk.    

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