Vehicular traffic trends were turned on their heads this year as the world adjusted to the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities traditionally plagued with gridlock saw virtually empty streets at the onset of the crisis, but as public health guidance fluctuates, so do the projected long-term impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. traffic.

On one hand, 2020 has brought to the forefront new optimism regarding the prospect of car-free streets and pedestrian-focused infrastructure. On the other, pedestrian and driver behaviors have gone awry, leading to spikes in traffic fatality rates despite reduced vehicle miles traveled. 

In the trendline below, we examine how traffic and congestion trends have evolved since March — and how they may shape urban transportation in a post-COVID reality.

Access Trendline Here.