Alberta has initiated a pilot project to test a 120 km/h speed limit on a 22-kilometer stretch of Highway 2 south of Leduc. Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen announced the trial on Wednesday, stating that the province will closely monitor traffic flow, driver behavior, and safety outcomes to ensure decisions are based on real-world data.
Pilot Project Details
The pilot project is being conducted on both directions of Highway 2 south of Leduc's Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station. This section was chosen because it is part of the busiest divided highway in Alberta, providing a strong indicator of how the increased speed limit might perform on other highways. Dreeshen noted that the majority of drivers on Highway 2 already travel at 120 km/h or faster, and the province does not anticipate a rise in collisions.
Public Support and Data Collection
Last fall, an online survey revealed that 68% of respondents supported increasing the speed limit on divided highways like the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. The province has installed speed sensors and highway monitors to collect data on traffic behavior during the pilot. Dreeshen emphasized that this is a first step toward potentially expanding the speed limit to the other 11,000 kilometers of divided highway in Alberta, including routes in the north.
“My hope is that we'll be able to compile a whole bunch of data on this as quickly as possible and then can expand it out to the other 11,000 kilometres of divided highway, including 43 up north,” Dreeshen said.
Infrastructure and Safety
According to Dreeshen, Alberta's highways are designed and built for 120 km/h speed limits, though transportation officials have noted that not all sections of divided highways are suitable for such increases, particularly those passing through towns. The province does not expect any additional costs for highway maintenance as a result of the higher speed limit.
Local Support
Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko expressed support for the pilot project, highlighting the benefits for commercial businesses and daily commuters. “Quicker and safer travel will help our commercial business partners operate more efficiently, supporting businesses that depend on timely deliveries and reliable transportation networks,” Doblanko said. “This trial will benefit the drivers who use the road every day, whether for work, school, or extracurricular activities. Reduced travel time is a clear win for all travellers.”
The pilot project is expected to provide valuable data that will guide future decisions on speed limit increases across Alberta's divided highway network.
