CHOKEPOINTS

Is coronavirus clearing the roads for Puget Sound commuters?

Mar 5, 2020, 9:18 AM | Updated: Oct 8, 2024, 7:35 am

The Puget Sound region just experienced one of the oddest morning commutes in a long time, and it seems possible that coronavirus might be to blame.

King County Metro to start cleaning buses daily to limit coronavirus spread

Thursday’s are usually one of our busier days on the roads, and yet the roads were empty.

You just don’t get a 40 minute travel time from Everett to Seattle or Bellevue between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. without something significant going on, and that’s what we had Thursday.

15 minute drives out of Auburn? That never happens during the morning commute on a weekday — it did today. I could go over every major commuter route and tell the same story after reflecting on this morning’s drive.

It was quieter than most federal holidays on the roads this morning, and that’s saying something.

To blame this tectonic shift exclusively on our current coronavirus situation wouldn’t be responsible, because I have no factual data to back it up. I’m sure there are other contributing factors that I am unaware of.

Sea-Tac Airport responds to coronavirus with new steps for healthy travel

But something has changed, and I’m looking for perspective here.

Leave us a comment on why you may have changed your behavior — are you concerned about getting the virus? Has your boss told you to work from home? Is your child’s school making the call for you? Or are you staying home for another reason? Have you changed anything at all?

Vote in our poll below and let us know!

 

Chokepoints

revive I-5 tolls I-405 commute...

Julie Berg, KIRO 7 News

Puget Sound travelers will face major disruptions on I-5 and I-405 this weekend

Travelers in the Puget Sound region face major highway shutdowns Halloween weekend due to two major construction projects.

8 hours ago

WSF Washington State Ferries...

Nate Connors

Emergency repairs shut down ferry service early

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced an early end of service for the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry route.

11 hours ago

Winter driving prep; don't be the reason for a pass closing...

Chris Sullivan

Don’t be the driver who shuts down a mountain pass: Get winter-ready

Call it a practice run for the rest of the winter. Our first snow storm of the season this week provided a reminder that it's time to get our cars in shape.

20 hours ago

box truck...

MyNorthwest Staff

SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 back open after overturned box truck

The SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 has reopened after an overturned box truck blocked the road.

1 day ago

Light Rail collision...

MyNorthwest Staff

Light rail train collides with vehicle making illegal turn

A scary moment for Light Rail passengers after a train collided with a vehicle Wednesday morning.

2 days ago

Flying for the holidays? SEA airport ranks No. 3 for fewer travel disruptions...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Flying for the holidays? SEA Airport ranks No. 3 for fewer travel disruptions

If you're worried about flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) airport for the holidays, a new consumer report may ease your mind. SEA ranks No. 3.

2 days ago

Is coronavirus clearing the roads for Puget Sound commuters?