Drivers across Ontario will soon be able to travel faster on most provincial highways as the provincial government moves to increase speed limits from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on an additional 938 kilometres of highway routes.
The change, announced on June 24, 2026, will see nearly 89 per cent of Ontario’s provincial highway network operating with a posted speed limit of 110 km/h by the end of September, up from about 43 per cent currently.
The province said the increase will begin gradually from June 26, starting with sections of Highways 401 and 416 in eastern Ontario before expanding to other major routes, including parts of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and Highways 400, 401, 402, 403, 416 and 417.
The government estimates the higher speed limits could reduce travel times for motorists, with drivers travelling from Sarnia to Toronto expected to save nearly 20 minutes, while those travelling between Toronto and Ottawa could save almost half an hour.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the change is aimed at improving travel efficiency while maintaining road safety.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is helping get drivers where they’re going faster and safely,” Sarkaria said. “We’re going to keep supporting commuters, workers and businesses by investing in our $31 billion plan to build and expand roads and highways, so we can get people and goods moving across Ontario and keep workers on the job.”
The province said the speed limit increases will only apply to highways that have been assessed and engineered to safely handle higher speeds. Officials said technical reviews and infrastructure improvements were completed where necessary before making the changes.
“Most of Ontario’s freeway network was originally designed to safely accommodate a posted speed of 110 km/hour,” the government said.
The expansion builds on previous increases introduced in 2022 and 2024, when several sections of provincial highways had their speed limits permanently raised following safety reviews.
The province also confirmed that newly built freeways, including Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass (Highway 425), Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph, and Highway 69, will be designed with a posted speed limit of 110 km/h.
Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan, said the policy is part of broader transportation investments aimed at improving mobility across Ontario.
“Our government is building new subways, highways, and GO transit to get Ontarians moving, faster,” Lecce said. “This new policy builds on our actions to reduce congestion on our roads and save families time, all while maintaining safety on and off the road.”
Municipal leaders also welcomed the announcement, saying faster travel times could support economic activity and improve transportation connections.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca said increasing speed limits on suitable highways reflects changes in transportation needs and vehicle technology.
“Vaughan understands the importance of a safe and efficient transportation network,” Del Duca said. “Increasing speed limits where it can be done safely is a practical, common-sense approach that reflects modern vehicle standards and helps improve the movement of people and goods across our province.”
King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini said the expansion would help communities and businesses move more efficiently.
“Expanding the 110 km/hour speed limit to additional highway sections will help people and goods move more efficiently,” Pellegrini said. “As communities like King continue to grow, initiatives like this help reduce travel times, strengthen economic connections, and support a modern transportation network that meets the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) also supported the move, calling it a modernization of the province’s highway system.
“RCCAO commends the Ontario government’s ongoing modernization policy reforms across the 400 series highways,” said Nadia Todorova, executive director of RCCAO. “The safe increase of speed limits across the network improves its efficiency and decreases travel times for drivers.”
The Ontario government said the province is continuing a $31-billion, 10-year investment plan to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Ontario.
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