Abstract

In 2012, the enlargement of HWY 175 from two to four lanes between Quebec City and Saguenay was completed. This enlargement increased the width of the road approximately three times and has created a major barrier, fragmenting natural habitat, especially for smaller mammals. To offset this, wildlife passageways for mammals of all sizes and fences for large and medium sized mammals were put in place along HWY 175. Fencing prevents animal crossings and directs movement to the passageways where they can safely cross under the highway. With enough movement, this can restore habitat connectivity between the two sides of the highway. The passageways along HWY 175 are among the first to be built in Québec, which provides a unique opportunity to study their effects on the native wildlife.