As of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, the speed limit in parts of Northumberland County along Highway 401 was increased to 110 kph.
Today’s Northumberland was there when the first signs of 110 kph were unveiled just west of Cobourg along Highway 401 shortly before midnight on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
The Ontario government announced in April that 10 sections of provincial highways in northern and southern Ontario would have their speed limits increased.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation stated, “most of Ontario’s highways were originally designed to safely accommodate speed limits of 110 km/h and the data from our changes in 2022 shows they do just that. These evidence-based increases are a common-sense change to make life more convenient for Ontario drivers while bringing our highway speed limits in line with other Canadian provinces.”
Areas of Northumberland and Quinte increased to 110 kph include:
- 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)
Quick Facts
- In 2019, the Ontario government launched consultations and a pilot program to explore opportunities to safely increase speed limits on select Ontario highways.
- In 2022, the government permanently increased the speed limit on six sections of provincial highways in southern Ontario as well as two sections in northern Ontario on a two-year trial basis.
- The permanent increase in speed from 100km/h to 110km/h will cover 36 per cent and 860 kilometres of Ontario’s highway network.
- 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.
- 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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
