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Alberta Weighs Raising QE II and Trans-Canada Speed Limits to 120 km/h

Officials cite average travel near 120 km/h to justify considering the change.

Overview

  • The province says it is looking at increasing posted limits on the QE II and parts of the Trans-Canada to 120 km/h, with no final decision announced.
  • Government figures reported in coverage say typical speeds on these divided highways already range from 120 to 125 km/h, a claim not independently verified in the articles.
  • Commentary notes police and sheriffs often begin strict enforcement roughly 20 km/h above posted limits, shaping how any change could affect real-world driving.
  • Supporters argue aligning limits with prevailing speeds could reduce risky speed differentials, while opponents warn of higher crash severity and an 'Alberta-bahn' culture.
  • Debate references precedents and options, including B.C.’s Coquihalla at 120 km/h since 2014 and proposals to expand busy corridors to six lanes with designated slow and fast lanes.