Speed Limit Increase Under Review for Highway 1 East of Banff

The Government of Alberta has launched a provincewide survey on whether to raise speed limits on rural divided highways. The proposal would bring the maximum posted speed up to 120 km/h on key transportation corridors, including the Trans-Canada Highway east of Banff. The online consultation runs until Dec. 12 and seeks feedback on which highways should be prioritized, what benefits or risks Albertans see, and whether commercial trucks should face new lane-use restrictions.

The idea under consideration would increase the current 110 km/h limit on select divided highways by 10 km/h. The review comes as the province continues to invest in highway upgrades and safety measures, with officials citing improved vehicle technology and driver awareness as reasons to examine whether rural divided highways can safely accommodate higher speeds.

One of the most closely watched stretches in this discussion is Highway 1 between Banff and Calgary. This corridor is heavily used by Bow Valley residents, commuters, interprovincial travelers, and commercial traffic. The survey lists "Highway 1 from Banff to the Saskatchewan border" among the potential routes for a speed limit increase. Highways inside Banff National Park fall under federal jurisdiction through Parks Canada, and the province has not clarified whether the review applies only to the section east of the park's east gate near Harvie Heights or to the municipal boundary of the Town of Banff. For Bow Valley drivers, the segment most likely to be affected would be the portion between Harvie Heights and Calgary.

The Bow Valley portion of Highway 1 is unique compared to other divided highways under review. It passes through a region with high wildlife movement, multiple crossings between protected habitats, and ongoing concerns about collisions, noise, and environmental impact. Unlike other long-distance corridors such as Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton, this stretch is bordered by residential neighbourhoods, recreation areas, and sensitive wildlife zones.

Public feedback in recent days reflects this nuance. While some Albertans support higher speed limits on major divided highways, particularly on the QEII corridor between Calgary and Edmonton, there is notable caution about applying the same approach in the Bow Valley. Residents commenting on the policy announcement expressed concerns about wildlife safety, noise impacts, distracted driving, and whether increased speed limits would meaningfully reduce travel times. Others questioned the timing of the initiative and suggested that issues such as healthcare, education, driver training, and enforcement deserve greater priority.

Wildlife protection remains a central theme in local discussion. The Bow Valley has invested heavily in wildlife fencing, crossings, and monitoring to reduce animal vehicle collisions along Highway 1. Advocates have long emphasized the importance of maintaining safe speeds in areas with high wildlife activity. Some local groups and residents have previously supported speed reductions on the Canmore to Banff section to improve safety for drivers and wildlife and to reduce noise levels affecting nearby neighbourhoods and trails.

The survey also asks Albertans to consider whether commercial trucks should be restricted from using the far left lane on divided highways with three or more lanes in each direction. This measure is aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing lane-blockage frustration, an issue often raised on Highway 2 near larger population centres. While less directly applicable on Highway 1 through the Bow Valley, where the highway is primarily two lanes each way, it reflects a broader review of road use, driver behaviour, and highway safety.

Supporters of the proposed speed increase argue that most drivers already travel above current posted limits on rural divided highways and that aligning legal limits with actual driving patterns may improve enforcement clarity and traffic flow. Some also contend that modern vehicles are built with improved safety systems that can accommodate higher speeds in appropriate conditions. Those opposed counter that higher limits could encourage excessive speeding, reduce reaction time, and worsen the severity of collisions. Several Albertans responding to the announcement also stressed that speed limits are designed for ideal conditions and do not account for winter weather, wildlife crossings, or driver inexperience.

The province has indicated it may conduct a pilot project if survey feedback and subsequent analysis support a change. A limited trial of 120 km/h zones on selected divided highways would be monitored to evaluate effects on safety, traffic patterns, and driver behaviour before any permanent province wide changes are considered.

The survey includes questions on how often respondents travel specific highway segments, how strongly they support or oppose the proposed increase, which roads should be prioritized, perceived economic benefits, and suggestions for improving the driving experience.

For Bow Valley residents, the review raises a longstanding transportation question. Should Highway 1 east of Banff be treated like any other divided highway, or should it be recognized as a corridor that requires a different balance between efficiency, environmental protection, and community impact? While some Albertans view a speed increase as a practical update, others see it as unnecessary or poorly timed.

The online survey remains open until Dec. 12. Results will be reviewed by the province, with further decisions expected following data analysis and stakeholder consultations.