Alberta seeks public input on raising speed limits to 120 km/h on select divided highways, with a survey open until Dec. 12 and a pilot project planned.
Survey Now Open to Residents
The Alberta government has launched a public survey asking residents for feedback on raising the speed limit on select divided highways to 120 km/h. The survey, released Friday, is available online until December 12 and is part of a broader review of provincial highway policy.
Purpose Behind the Proposal
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the idea stems from an effort to improve travel efficiency across the province. While recent transportation initiatives have focused on major cities, the government now aims to shorten travel times in rural areas as well. Dreeshen noted that many divided highways were originally engineered to support higher travel speeds than the current 110 km/h limit.
Areas Under Consideration
The proposal targets four-lane or divided highways, including well-used routes such as Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary. The survey also asks respondents whether commercial trucks should be blocked from using the far left lane on highways with three or more lanes, a measure intended to reduce traffic congestion.
Next Steps After Consultation
Once the survey closes in mid-December, the province plans to launch a pilot project to study the real-world effects of a 120 km/h limit. The trial will examine safety impacts, travel times, and traffic flow before any permanent policy changes are considered. Dreeshen said the goal is to align posted limits with how the roads were designed and how many drivers already travel.
Previous Attempts and Provincial Comparisons
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced in Alberta. In 2021, a private member’s bill proposing a similar speed limit increase was introduced but did not advance past its first reading. Other provinces have taken comparable steps. British Columbia raised limits on some major highways to 120 km/h in 2014, though several were later reduced after an increase in serious collisions. The Coquihalla Highway remains at 120 km/h, the highest posted limit in Canada.
Safety Concerns and Industry Response
In a written statement, the Alberta Motor Association said it will review the government’s survey and reiterated its position that speed limits should be determined by roadway design and the best available safety research. Dreeshen argued Alberta’s flatter highway network differs significantly from B.C.’s winding mountain routes, though transportation advocates say safety outcomes must remain central to the discussion.
