Ontario expanding 110 km/h speed limits to nearly 90 per cent of provincial highways
The Ontario government is increasing speed limits from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on an additional 938 kilometres of provincial highways, expanding the higher-speed network across much of the province.
The move builds on previous speed limit increases introduced on several highway sections in 2022 and 2024, which the province says have been implemented safely and successfully.
With the latest expansion, nearly 89 per cent of Ontario's 400-series highway network will have posted speed limits of 110 km/h, up from 43 per cent previously.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the changes are intended to help commuters, workers and businesses move more efficiently across the province while supporting Ontario's growing economy.
The first phase of the increase will take effect on June 26, with sections of Highways 401 and 416 in eastern Ontario receiving the higher speed limit. Additional increases on portions of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and Highways 400, 401, 402, 403, 416 and 417 will be rolled out gradually through September 30, 2026.
According to the province, motorists travelling between Sarnia and Toronto could save nearly 20 minutes on their journey, while drivers travelling between Toronto and Ottawa could reduce travel times by close to 30 minutes.
Provincial officials emphasized that higher speed limits are only being introduced on highways that have undergone technical reviews and meet engineering standards required to safely accommodate faster traffic speeds. Most of Ontario's freeway network was originally designed for speeds of up to 110 km/h.
The government also announced that newly constructed freeways, including Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph, and Highway 69, will be designed with a posted speed limit of 110 km/h.
Ontario says the changes form part of its broader $31 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan to build, expand and rehabilitate highways, roads and bridges across the province.