Manitoba proposes speed hike on Trans-Canada, Highway 75

Manitoba's government has decided to raise the maximum speed limit to 110 km/h on two divided highways in the province.

The province has put in an application to the Highway Traffic Board to increase the speed limit to by 10 km/h on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Winnipeg, and on Highway 75, which links Winnipeg and the U.S. border.

The limit will not be increased on the Perimeter Highway around Winnipeg or the Trans-Canada east of Winnipeg, where increases were also being considered, due to concerns about intersections and narrow shoulders.

Last spring, the province dropped the idea of raising the limit on several other highways — including highways 7, 8 and 59, which run north of Winnipeg to cottage country — noting that they carry less traffic.

The Highway Traffic Board will conduct public hearings on the proposed higher limits in the spring, and then the board will make recommendations to the minister.

If approved, the change could take place by December.

The speed limit increase would put Manitoba in line with Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Supporters of the plan, such as the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, have argued that raising the limit would help speed the movement of goods and people.

Opponents, including the Manitoba Trucking Association, have noted vehicles burn more fuel at higher speeds and raised concerns about an increase in the number or severity of traffic accidents.