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Traffic returns to pre-pandemic numbers statewide

ANTHONY QUINTANO / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Traffic volumes have returned to pre-pandemic numbers throughout major state routes. The state Department of Transportation has been monitoring traffic volumes during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

They compared the numbers from 2020 and 2021 to 2019, before the pandemic.

Hawaiʻi Island is nearly back to pre-pandemic traffic. Major routes had only 1-5% fewer cars on the road in mid-December compared to the 2019 average.

Most major routes on Oʻahu have returned to pre-pandemic traffic. Traffic on the H-1 near the airport is still significantly reduced. Some parts of the freeway were down by 21% compared to 2019.

While most major roads on Maui have fewer cars on the road, Route 380 has seen more traffic than before the pandemic since May 2021. Mid-December counts saw 7% more traffic than the 2019 average.

Kauaʻi is continuing to experience less traffic compared to 2019. Areas around Nawiliwili Road are the closest to returning to pre-pandemic traffic.

Zoe Dym was a news producer at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
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