Alberta Eyes Higher Highway Speeds: Proposal to Raise Limit to 120 km/h
Big changes might be coming to Alberta’s highways. The provincial government has proposed increasing the speed limit on many rural highways from the current 110 km/h to 120 km/h. This change, if approved, would affect major routes like the QE2, allowing drivers to go a bit faster on roads built for higher speeds. The proposal is part of a wider effort to make sure the speed limits better match the roads themselves.
To gather public opinion, the government has launched an online survey open until December 12. This survey isn’t just about the speed limit—it’s giving Albertans a chance to weigh in on which highways should get the higher limit, whether commercial trucks should be restricted from using the far-left lane on some highways, and other ideas to improve the driving experience on provincial roads.
Also Read:- India Edges Pakistan Amid Rain and Tensions at Hong Kong Sixes
- JackJumpers Aim to End Losing Streak Against Bullets
Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen has said that the move is supported by modern vehicles and public awareness, meaning drivers can safely travel at the speeds the highways were designed for. The government believes this adjustment could reduce situations where drivers are inadvertently ticketed or slowed down because the posted speed does not reflect the road’s design.
Premier Danielle Smith highlighted that the change is meant to align posted speed limits with the actual capabilities of the highways. She noted that many of Alberta’s divided highways were constructed to safely accommodate higher speeds. “If the QE2 has been built and rated for 120 km/h, why aren’t we letting people drive 120 km/h?” she asked, emphasizing that this isn’t about encouraging reckless driving, but about matching the rules to reality.
Currently, highway speed limits in Alberta vary. While rural divided highways usually have limits between 100 and 110 km/h, roads through First Nation lands, cities, and municipalities can have limits as low as 50 km/h due to intersections, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and other safety considerations.
The proposal comes on the heels of earlier changes this year, when Alberta reduced the use of photo radar on provincial highways by about 70%, keeping it only in school, playground, and construction zones. The government also restricted “speed on green” cameras to red-light enforcement only, reflecting a broader approach to modernizing traffic regulations while keeping road safety in focus.
With the survey still open, Albertans now have the opportunity to provide their input on these proposed changes. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone who enjoys long drives across the province, your feedback could help shape the future of Alberta’s highways. The conversation around speed limits is being framed not just as a matter of convenience, but as an effort to align regulations with road design and driving conditions, ensuring smoother and safer travel for everyone.
Read More:
0 Comments