Speed Limit Increased to 120 km/h on Alberta’s QEII Highway in Pilot Project
A section of Alberta’s Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway is now subject to a higher speed limit as part of a pilot project launched by the provincial government. The speed limit has been increased to 120 km/h on a 84-kilometre stretch of the highway south of Leduc, between Highway 39 and 19.
Pilot Project Details
The pilot project, which began on April 30, 2026, aims to assess the safety and operational impacts of raising the speed limit. The selected section of highway was chosen due to its modern design standards, including divided medians and limited access points. According to the Alberta government, this stretch of highway already experiences high-speed traffic flow.
Government Rationale
The Alberta government stated the increase is intended to better align speed limits with actual traffic speeds and improve traffic flow. The government will monitor traffic volumes, collision rates, and driver behaviour throughout the pilot project. Data collected will be used to determine whether the higher speed limit can be safely implemented on other sections of the QEII Highway and other provincial highways.
Safety Considerations
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) has expressed support for the pilot project, emphasizing the importance of data collection and analysis to ensure safety. The AMA also stressed the require for continued enforcement of all traffic laws, including impaired driving and distracted driving, regardless of the speed limit.
Highway 2 and CANAMEX Corridor
Highway 2, also known as the QEII Highway between Calgary and Edmonton, is Alberta’s longest and busiest highway, spanning approximately 1,273 kilometres. It forms a portion of the CANAMEX Corridor, a trade route linking Alaska with Mexico. The Fort Macleod–Edmonton section is part of this corridor, while the Donnelly–Grimshaw section is part of the Arctic Corridor, connecting Edmonton with the Northwest Territories.
Future Outlook
The pilot project is expected to run for a year, with the Alberta government evaluating the results before making any permanent changes to speed limits. The success of this initiative could lead to increased speed limits on other suitable sections of Alberta’s highway network, potentially improving travel times and efficiency for commuters and commercial traffic.