Houston drivers are noticing one positive effect of the coronavirus crisis: less traffic.
Social Distancing and “stay-at-home” policies in the greater Houston area have left usually congested roads suddenly clear.
“Anyone driving in on their commute can see it’s eerie,” KTRH’s Traffic Anchor, “Sky Mike” Valdez explained. “Just being able to go straight to work and no major hiccups on the road.”
Valdez estimates a 70 to 80 percent drop in traffic in some parts of Houston. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says the work on major construction projects will continue, which is why you still want to be vigilant if you’re hitting the road.
“When we are moving faster than we are now, sometimes the accidents tend to be a little more severe,” Valdez said. “You may have wider lane blockages. These incidents may stay in place for a longer duration.”
TxDOT officials say the safety of construction and maintenance crews working on the road remains a top priority.