Update: provincial highway speed survey results

ALBERTA -- 68 per cent of the respondents of a provincial survey say they support raising speed limits on divided highways.

According to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors, the survey was open from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 and received a total of 59,400 responses. Of these, preliminary results show that a majority of respondents said they are in favour of increasing speed limits from 110 km/h to 120 km/h along major highways such as the QEII. 

"It's clear that Albertans are ready for modern, common-sense rules that better reflect how our roads are built and how people actually drive," said Minister Devin Dreeshen. "Alberta's divided highways were engineered to safely handle 120 kilometres per hour, and advances in vehicle safety and road design make that even more practical today."

Dreeshen says that starting next year, Alberta's government will launch a controlled 120 km/h mini-trial on select rural divided highways, which will be paired with close monitoring and safety evaluation throughout the pilot process. In a statement, Dreeshen says this approach will ensure that any future decisions are based on real-world data, local feedback, and a clear commitment to keeping roads safe.

In addition, the survey also shows that a whopping 90 per cent of respondent's support restricting commercial trucks from certain lanes on major highways.

"This feedback aligns with what we’ve heard from industry, municipal leaders, and everyday drivers who want safer, smoother, and more predictable traffic flow," said Dreeshen. "Albertans have spoken loud and clear. We're taking that direction seriously, and we will continue to make improvements that support safety, mobility, and economic growth across the province."

The proposed changes for commercial vehicles would include several new measures, including rules to restrict them from certain lanes on major highways.