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EDMONTON — Albertans are being asked whether they support higher speed limits on rural highways as the provincial government considers raising maximum speeds on some divided routes from 110 to 120 kilometres per hour.
An online survey launched Thursday will run until Dec. 12, giving residents the chance to share their views on speed limit increases, which routes should be prioritized, and whether commercial trucks should be restricted from using the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes.
Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the government is studying how to safely modernize highway speed limits in line with improved vehicle technology and road design. He said Alberta is investing more than $1.5 billion this year in highway safety and infrastructure upgrades and wants drivers “to be able to drive the speed limit that the highways are designed for.”
After the survey concludes, the province plans to conduct a short trial of a 120 km/h limit on selected divided highways. The pilot will include monitoring to evaluate driver behaviour and safety impacts before any broader changes are made.
The province reminds motorists that posted speed limits apply only under ideal conditions and that drivers should slow down when roads are wet, icy or when visibility is reduced.
Alberta’s highway network includes more than 64,000 lane kilometres, about 11,700 of which are divided. Current posted speed limits on those roads typically range from 100 to 110 km/h, with lower limits through populated or high-traffic areas.
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