Alberta to pilot increased speed limits on rural highways
Posted Dec 16, 2025 7:02 pm.
Alberta drivers may soon be allowed to press the gas a little harder, as the province prepares to test higher speed limits on select rural divided highways.
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen announced Tuesday that a controlled trial will launch next year, raising limits from 110 km/h to 120 km/h on certain stretches, including a portion of the QEII Highway.
The initiative comes after strong public support in a recent provincial survey.
Between Nov. 7 and Dec. 12, nearly 60,000 Albertans participated in the online survey. Preliminary results show 68 per cent of respondents favour increasing speed limits on rural divided highways.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Dreeshen says the trial will be closely monitored, with safety evaluations guiding the decision on whether to expand the higher limits province-wide. He added that the change could help reduce commute times for rural residents.
The increase will not apply to divided highways within city limits, such as Calgary’s Stoney Trail or Deerfoot Trail.
