Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed strong support for increasing speed limits on the province's major divided highways, a move that could see maximum speeds rise from 110 km/h to 120 km/h.
Government Backs Higher Speed Limits
Premier Danielle Smith shows clear support for the proposed increase, which is currently under public consultation through a provincial survey. The survey, available until December 12, seeks input from Albertans on both the speed limit changes and potential restrictions for commercial trucks on multi-lane roads.
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, who oversees the province's highway system, has been actively addressing transportation issues including photo radar, bike lanes, and now speed limits. The government indicates that if public response is favorable, the new speed limits could be implemented early next year.
Highways Affected by Proposed Changes
The proposed speed limit increase would apply to several key divided highways across Alberta. These include Highway 1 from Banff to the Saskatchewan border and Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary, excluding Deerfoot Trail.
Other highways under consideration include Highway 4 from Lethbridge to the U.S. border, Highway 16 from Hinton to Lloydminster, sections of Highway 63 to Fort McMurray, and Highway 43 from west of Edmonton to Grande Prairie.
Public Response and Safety Considerations
Early feedback suggests majority support for the higher speed limits, with many respondents noting that drivers already frequently travel at 120 km/h on routes like Highway 2. The survey also indicates many Albertans support restricting commercial trucks from certain lanes on roads with three or more lanes in the same direction.
However, some critics have raised safety concerns, predicting the change could lead to increased accidents and fatalities. The government continues to gather public input before making a final decision on the proposed changes.
