COVID-19 brings radical shift in Twin Cities commuting patterns

Mar 23, 20200

Star Tribune count

There was no congestion on Hwy. 169 near 63rd Avenue in Brooklyn Park at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, a time when there is usually bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The highly contagious and rapidly spreading coronavirus brought a major change in Twin Cities commuting behavior last week as motorists drove a lot less and those who did arrived at their destinations more quickly.

Research from the global traffic-tracking company INRIX found that speeds on metro highways and freeways were 25% faster during Wednesday's morning rush hour and 38% faster Wednesday evening when compared to the week before, when schools were shuttered and employees were encouraged to work remotely.

http://www.startribune.com/covid-19-brings-radical-shift-in-commute-patterns/569014372/