Waymo temporarily suspends all freeway driving for customers across its U.S. markets, multiple outlets report. Riders who normally use freeway routes see the Waymo app stop offering those trips, with journeys that would typically take minutes via freeways instead projected to take longer via local roads. Waymo confirms the change and attributes it to safety concerns, saying it is pausing freeway operations while it works on improvements to how its autonomous vehicles handle specific freeway construction zones.
The suspension is described as broad and immediate, affecting customers’ ability to choose highway routes rather than ending all service entirely. In addition to the freeway pause, reporting also notes that Waymo has taken other temporary service actions during the same period in multiple cities, tied to the company’s ongoing efforts to refine its driving software.
Overall, the coverage indicates Waymo is taking precautionary steps related to navigation and safety performance in work zones, with the freeway pause remaining in effect as upgrades and review are completed.
