Alberta tests 120 km/h speed limit on Highway 2 to improve efficiency. CTV
Alberta has officially rolled out a 120 km/h speed limit trial on a section of Highway 2. The 22-kilometre stretch south of the Leduc commercial vehicle inspection station will be monitored throughout the trial, which is set to run until the end of summer 2026.
Aiming to Reflect Alberta’s Travel Needs
The decision to increase the speed limit comes as part of an effort to better match the province’s transportation needs. Leduc-Beaumont MLA Brandon Lundy emphasized the importance of Highway 2 for both commuters and businesses, noting that the higher speed limit aims to reflect how people actually live and travel within the province.
“The corridor is vital for businesses and everyday travel, whether for commuting or transporting goods,” Lundy said during a press conference. The trial intends to make the road more efficient for all users while acknowledging the demands placed on this busy route.
Business Support for the New Speed Limit
Local leaders have supported the initiative, citing the benefits it will bring to businesses that rely on the highway for daily operations. Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko noted that many local businesses depend on Highway 2 for transportation, and this trial would help them move goods more efficiently across the province.
“This trial will benefit the drivers who use the road every day,” Doblanko added, highlighting the positive effects on local industries.
Public Backing for the Speed Limit Increase
The trial follows a provincial survey, where nearly 70 percent of the 59,000 respondents expressed support for increasing the speed limit on rural divided highways. Alberta’s transportation minister, Devin Dreeshen, explained that this move aims to reflect the strength of the province’s infrastructure and save Albertans time while keeping the province moving forward.
Infrastructure Improvements Accompany Speed Limit Change
As part of the trial, Highway 2 has undergone several upgrades, including paving improvements and enhanced interchanges. New signs have also been installed to indicate the areas where the speed limit has increased. The trial is expected to provide insight into whether a permanent speed limit change is beneficial for the province.
Safety Concerns from Critics
However, not everyone agrees with the higher speed limit. Don Getschel, director of the Alberta Towing Recovery Association, expressed concerns that the speed limit increase could make the roads more dangerous. He pointed out that many accidents and near misses already occur at the current speed limits, and the higher speed would only increase risks, especially for tow operators working roadside.
“We’ve seen multiple fatal collisions on Highway 2 already. I anticipate that number to go up,” Getschel said, criticizing the government’s rationale that the higher speed limit would save time and improve traffic flow.
Provincial Efforts to Address Dangerous Driving
The government has also implemented higher fines for dangerous driving behaviours, such as excessive speeding, stunting, and racing, in an attempt to curb risky driving on the province’s highways. These measures aim to balance the speed limit increase with efforts to ensure safety on Alberta’s roads.
