No need for more speed

Opposition is being expressed to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors regarding an ongoing proposition to increase speed limits on select divided rural highways.

Wheatland County council voted to send a letter with concerns about an increase of the posted speed limit on Highway 1 through the county from 110 km/h to 120 km/h.

“I think that for farmers having to cross the highway, it is dangerous. We are slow and it is already risky. Highway 2 has a lot of overpasses and ways to get on and off, and for farmers to cross their large distances between them but at least they can cross without having to try and dodge across,” said Coun. Shannon Laprise. “Highway 1 is not as busy, but there are times when it is. I know there are times where we have sat at our Highway 1 and 842 crossing, waiting and waiting to cross, and I think it just increases the risk.”

Laprise added should the speed limit be increased to 120 km/h, many drivers would inevitably travel at 130 km/h or faster, creating an even greater risk of serious collisions.

Key points expressed in Alberta Transportation’s communication with the county included reducing travel times, reference to a 2024 public survey suggesting 58 per cent of respondents supporting the idea and applying the increase only to highways under provincial jurisdiction.

Coun. Keith Clayton expressed he would only support the province’s suggestion for greater speed limits if designated lanes were added for slower moving farm equipment.

Coun. Berle Hebbes spoke inversely, iterating his belief that the highway in its current state already offers enough space for farmers to traverse safely.

“The roads are designed for that. When you make a four-lane highway, you do eliminate a lot of the blind corners and stuff like that. It does give traffic on the highway time to see the farm equipment, it gives the farm equipment enough time to see the traffic,” he said. 

“Because it is a four-lane highway, you only have to cross one way, and then you have an interim spot in the middle. I think the faster speed limit, based on the engineering studies is the way to go.”

Coun. Glenn Koester added the county could take the opportunity to communicate with the province not only their opposition to the increased speed limit, but also the need for more overpasses on certain sections of Highway 1.

Council passed the motion to have administration prepare and send a letter expressing opposition to the province under the Reeve’s signature in a vote of 5-2 in favour. Councillors Rick Laursen and Hebbes were opposed.