The Ontario government is increasing the speed limit on a stretch of QEW between Hamilton and St. Catharines to 110 km/h.

It is one of three stretches the Progressive Conservatives have chosen for two-year pilot projects starting in mid-September.

The government says the increased speed limits are meant to find ways to "improve traffic flow and safety" on highways.

"Results from the pilot and all feedback received during consultations will be carefully considered as a part of the final decision-making process," Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek said in a news release Friday. "We're also working with our road safety and enforcement partners."

The QEW section runs from Fruitland Road in Stoney Creek, through Grimsby, Beamsville and to west of Highway 406 in St. Catharines, Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly said on Twitter.

The other pilot project areas include Highway 402 from London to Sarnia and Highway 417 from Ottawa/Gloucester to the Ontario/Quebec border.

"Safety is the government's No. 1 priority and each pilot location was carefully chosen based on a number of factors, including its ability to accommodate higher speed limits," Yurek said.

Six other provinces have speed limits of 110 km/h or higher on certain highways, the news release says.

The province says it plans to increase signage and safety messaging, as well as proposing to keep street-racing penalties enforceable at 150 km/h.