Alberta asks drivers about higher highway speed limits

Alberta drivers can now weigh in on raising speed limits on rural divided highways.

The government launched an online survey Nov. 7, running until Dec. 12, to gather public opinion on increasing limits from 110 km/h to 120 km/h on select highways. Respondents can also comment on truck lane restrictions and other ways to improve highway driving.

“If Albertans support higher limits, we want to explore them safely,” said Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, noting the province is investing more than $1.5 billion this year in highway safety and upgrades.

A trial of a 120 km/h speed limit will follow the survey, with monitoring to assess driving behaviour. Officials caution drivers to adjust speeds for wet, icy, or low-visibility conditions.

Quick facts: Alberta has more than 64,000 lane kilometres of highways, including 11,700 km of divided roads. Posted limits on divided highways generally range from 100 to 110 km/h but can drop to 50 km/h in towns, cities, and First Nation lands.