Alberta Government Reviews Highway Speed Limits
The Alberta government is actively considering a significant increase to the maximum permitted speed on several of the province's major divided highways. This potential change, which could see limits rise to 120 kilometres per hour, is currently under review for routes including the busy Queen Elizabeth II Highway.
Details of the Proposed Change
The review, confirmed on November 7, 2025, marks a potential shift from the current standard. While the proposal is still in the deliberation phase, it signals a willingness to adapt provincial traffic regulations to modern driving conditions and vehicle capabilities. The QEII, a critical transportation corridor connecting Edmonton and Calgary, is a primary focus of this evaluation.
Officials are assessing the safety and feasibility of implementing the higher limit on this and other suitable divided highways across the province. The move would represent one of the highest posted speed limits in Canada, aiming to potentially improve traffic flow on long, straight stretches of road engineered for higher speeds.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
Increasing the speed limit to 120 km/h would bring Alberta's regulations in line with some other jurisdictions that have successfully implemented similar changes. However, such a decision is not made lightly. The provincial government must carefully balance the goal of efficient travel with its paramount commitment to road safety for all users.
Factors such as accident statistics, highway design standards, and driver behaviour will be thoroughly analyzed before any final decision is reached. The outcome of this review could set a new precedent for highway travel in Western Canada.
