The provincial government is permanently increasing the speed limit from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on 10 additional sections of highways.
Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted that this decision is supported by evidence and will enhance convenience for drivers across the province.
Set to take effect on July 12, the province says these changes mark another step towards modernizing Ontario’s road infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for everyone on the road.
Sections that are affected include:
Hwy 401, Tilbury, extending the existing 110 km/h zone further east by 7 km
Hwy 401 from Hwy 35/115 to Cobourg (approximately 35 km)
Hwy 401 from Colborne to Belleville (approximately 44 km)
Hwy 401 from Belleville to Kingston (approximately 66 km)
Hwy 401 from Hwy 16 to Quebec boundary (approximately 107 km)
Hwy 403 from Woodstock to Brantford (approximately 26 km)
Hwy 403 from Brantford to Hamilton (approximately 14.5 km)
Hwy 406 from Thorold to Welland (approximately 13 km)
Hwy 416 from Hwy 401 to Ottawa (approximately 70 km)
Hwy 69 from Sudbury to French River (approximately 60 km)
All highway sections were selected based on their ability to safely accommodate higher speed limits. Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan have a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h, while in British Columbia, the maximum speed limit is 120 km/h.
According to the province, until 1975, Highways 400, 401, 417 and the Queen Elizabeth Way were posted at 70 mph (113 km/h) before being reduced due to the energy crisis.
It’s also worth noting that stunt driving penalties will continue to apply at 150 km/h. On the highway sections with increased speed limits, stunt driving penalties will apply at 40 km/h over the posted speed limit.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
