Hwy 1 speed limit to increase

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Published on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Submitted

The speed limit on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Winnipeg will be increased to 110 km/h from 100 km/h effective June 2, allowing better traffic flow for commercial traffic and all motorists, Premier Greg Selinger announced today. 

"Manitobans have been asking for an increase in speed limits when safety allows it on the 

Trans-Canada Highway," said Premier Selinger.  "By gradually implementing this increase as we have been upgrading sections of the national highway, we've been able to incorporate safety measures including improving intersections, paving shoulders, creating rumble strips, and installing better signage and guardrails."

Premier Selinger noted the Manitoba government has been investing in the Trans-Canada Highway at unprecedented levels.  Since 2007, approximately $242 million has been invested in upgrading and improving the Trans-Canada Highway from the Saskatchewan boundary to Winnipeg.

"These investments have made it possible to increase speed limits on the Trans-Canada Highway," said Premier Selinger.  

Additional improvements on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Portage la Prairie that started last summer will be completed this summer.  Areas around Virden, Brandon, Carberry, Portage la Prairie, Elie and Headingley would be excluded from the increased speed limit because of road geometry and traffic signal locations in these areas. 

In 2009, the speed limit on the Trans-Canada Highway from Saskatchewan to Virden (a distance of 47.7 km) was increased to 110 km/h.  The speed limit was also increased on the Trans-Canada Highway from St. Jean Baptiste to Emerson (28 km).  At the same time, fines were increased for speeding infractions.  For example, the fine for exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 34 km/h was increased by between $27 and $171 depending on the degree of the infraction. 

"Increasing the speed limit on the Trans-Canada Highway does not give the green light to speed," said Premier Selinger.  "Motorists are expected to drive according to weather conditions as well as to obey posted speed limits.  If drivers choose not to follow the posted speed, they should be prepared to pay a hefty fine."

With the changes announced today, motorists can drive at the new posted speed limit from the Saskatchewan boundary to just west of Headingley, except on the stretches of highway listed above.  About 240 kilometres of the route between Saskatchewan and Winnipeg will now be posted at 110 km/h.