Commuters get relief as traffic dwindles amid coronavirus concerns

NEWTON — As the global coronavirus outbreak affects many facets of our everyday life, traffic is one of them.

If you’re used to a standstill commute, this week’s drive to work may have been a pleasant surprise.

Just this week, Boston was ranked No. 1 in the country for worst rush-hour traffic. But right now, commuters are getting some relief from that congestion, although not for a reason anyone wants.

It’s a sight that Boston-area commuters can’t remember seeing.

“Not when it wasn’t a holiday. Usually when it’s like school vacation or summer Fridays, but never like the middle of the week, rush hour,” said commuter Brooke Kirastoulis.

Instead of the standstill traffic that comes with a mid-week rush hour, Interstate 95 in Newton is a breeze.

“It’s been crazy light traffic lately. I’ve been able to zoom in and out of work. It’s been great,” Kirastoulis said.

Traffic cameras during the Wednesday evening commute captured a stress-free trip across the Zakim Bridge.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation finding dramatically lower drive times on several major highways during rush hour this week, at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has canceled events and led to work-from-home policies.

ON I-93, commutes decreased by as much as a third.

And on the often dreaded Pike, travel times plummeted by as much as half.

“It’s kind of surprising that it’s that light, to be honest with you,” said commuter Tatyana Gao.

The MBTA too is seeing fewer commuters, analyzing the numbers from gated stations, weekday ridership was down about 2.5 percent in the first week of March compared to February’s weekday average. On the Green Line, it was down about 7 percent.

Still, on some roads, the backup is unavoidable. It is Boston, after all. But the delays aren’t nearly as bad as we’re used to suffering through.

“I’d rather sit in traffic than have the coronavirus around,” said driver Steve Remley.

MBTA’s ridership numbers may be even lower this week as each day more events are canceled. Companies are working from home, and businesses are simply seeing less activity.

The T will be analyzing that new data at the end of this week.

© 2020 Cox Media Group