Alberta has taken a significant stride toward implementing a 120 km/h speed limit on its divided highways, propelled by strong public backing revealed in a recent government survey. The results, released by Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen on Monday, December 15, 2025, show clear momentum for the proposed change.
Overwhelming Public Backing for Highway Changes
The provincial survey, which garnered one of the largest responses in Alberta's history for such consultations, presented two key proposals. The first was to increase the maximum speed on divided highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h. This measure received support from 68 per cent of respondents, a figure that exceeds the government's benchmark for success, which is around 60 per cent in favour.
Minister Dreeshen expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "Having almost 70 per cent for 120 km/h is great," he stated, acknowledging that opposition voices are often more vocal. He suggested that support is likely even higher among regular commuters on these major routes, who have been actively requesting the change from Premier Danielle Smith's government.
Major Rule Change for Truck Lanes Also Supported
The second proposal proved even more popular. The survey asked about a new rule that would prohibit truckers from using the far-left lane on divided highways with three or more lanes travelling in the same direction. This change, designed to keep the passing lane clear for other vehicles, was endorsed by a staggering 92 per cent of participants.
The proposed speed limit increase would apply to major divided highways across the province, including:
- Highway 2 (Calgary to Edmonton)
- Highway 16 (the Yellowhead)
- Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada)
- Highway 63 to Fort McMurray
- Highway 43 to Grande Prairie
- Highway 4 to the U.S. border
It is important to note that the increase would not apply to urban ring roads around Calgary and Edmonton, nor to Deerfoot Trail within Calgary city limits.
Next Steps: Pilot Project and Final Report
The Alberta government plans to release a detailed report on the survey findings early in the new year. Following that, the province will move to a practical testing phase. In the spring of 2025, a pilot project will be launched on a stretch of Highway 2 to study the real-world effects of raising the speed limit by 10 km/h.
Several communities located along divided highways have expressed interest in participating in this trial run. The pilot will provide crucial data on traffic flow, safety, and driver behaviour before any permanent, province-wide implementation is finalized.
This move follows public debate and some opposition, including from the Town of Okotoks and concerns raised by Calgary police about the message it sends to motorists. However, the strong survey results indicate a clear public appetite for modernizing Alberta's highway speed regulations to reflect current vehicle capabilities and driver habits on its "big beautiful divided highways."
