A recent survey indicates that 72% of respondents support increasing the speed limit on Alberta's divided highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h. This finding surprised Devin Dreeshen, Alberta's transportation minister, who expected a more modest level of support.

Dreeshen noted that the roads in question are designed for vehicles traveling at 120 km/h. He stated, "I didn’t think it was going to be that high," referring to the survey results. The survey also revealed overwhelming support for a proposal requiring trucks to remain in a dedicated lane, except when passing, on multi-lane roads. An impressive 96% of participants backed this measure.

Dreeshen explained that government surveys typically show a more divided opinion, often around 50/50 or 60/40 in favor of proposals. He remarked, "Now 72% and 96%, that’s pretty impressive. This is a very clear indication these moves are popular amongst Alberta."

The transportation minister believes the high level of support stems from the common sense of raising the speed limit on rural divided highways. He pointed out that many drivers feel frustrated when they see a speed limit of 110 km/h on roads designed for higher speeds. Dreeshen emphasized the importance of the driving experience, stating, "Everybody watches car commercials and sees they’re not selling the car for its tires or its shocks. They’re selling the driving experience."

While some individuals express concerns about safety at higher speeds, Dreeshen noted that many rural Albertans are accustomed to driving on divided highways and do not share these fears. He mentioned that rural drivers are more familiar with these roads than urban commuters.

Dreeshen also cautioned against misinterpreting accident statistics, explaining that an increase in the number of drivers can lead to more accidents in certain areas. He stated, "If you have more accidents in certain areas you also have more vehicles that could get into accidents."

The survey, which is open until December 12, has already received about 50,000 responses. Dreeshen anticipates that the speed limit increase could be implemented in the spring, following a trial on a section of Highway 2, which connects Calgary and Edmonton. Other highways under consideration include the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 16, Highway 3, and Highway 63. However, the ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton will not see an increase in speed limits.

Dreeshen has received positive feedback from his constituents, with many expressing that it is "about darn time" for the change. He also mentioned that members of the United Conservative Party (UCP) are supportive of the proposal, and even some members of the opposition have shown interest in the speed limit increase.

As the UCP prepares for its annual gathering at the end of the month, Dreeshen has reached out to party members for their thoughts on the proposed changes. He concluded by stating, "When you’re driving on rural divided highways, you feel the speed limit in a real way. You know where 110 feels slow. You know where the road could handle more."

With strong public support, Alberta appears poised to raise the speed limit on its divided highways, potentially leading to a new era of driving regulations in the province.