Manitoba’s NDP government has been given the green light to raise the highway speed limit from 100 km/h (62 mph) to 110 km/h (68 mph) on two major highways, CBC News reported today, Feb. 28.
The Highway Traffic Board, which held public hearings on the matter earlier this year, gave its approval Wednesday, Feb. 27, to raising the limit on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Winnipeg and on most of Highway 75, which runs between Winnipeg and the U.S. border, CBC reported. The provincial cabinet must still decide when the limit will be raised.
Supporters of the plan, such as the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, have said raising the limit would help speed the movement of goods and people, and put Manitoba in line with other Prairie provinces. Opponents, including the Manitoba Trucking Association, have noted vehicles burn more fuel at higher speeds and have raised concerns about an increase in the number or severity of traffic accidents.
“We’re dismayed that the board is moving ahead with it, given the risk to safety, the environment and the economic cost,” MTA general manager Bob Dolyniuk told the Winnepeg Sun. “But I guess all along, it’s been very clear that the government has wanted to increase the speed limit. And they have their wish.”
