On Thursday, Waymo customers noticed their usual speedy freeway trips had been replaced by slower local road adventures. The tech giant has indefinitely suspended service on freeways due to safety concerns, particularly in light of recent incidents involving flooded roads and construction zones.

The move comes amid Waymo’s ambitious plans to expand its services, with a goal of reaching one million paid rides per week from the current 500,000. The suspension reflects ongoing challenges as Waymo navigates complex urban environments while striving for greater autonomy in driving technology.

Waymo’s decision underscores the intricate balance between innovation and safety, especially when deploying advanced autonomous vehicles in diverse and sometimes unpredictable conditions. While the company is known for reducing traffic accidents, occasional mishaps continue to challenge its reliability.

The timing of this suspension coincides with Waymo preparing to launch a new electric van, the Zeekr-built Ojai, equipped with its sixth-generation autonomous driving software. This vehicle represents a significant step forward in Waymo’s journey towards broader deployment but highlights the ongoing need for rigorous testing and adaptation.

For now, there is no clear timeline on when Waymo will resume freeways or resume service in affected areas like Atlanta and San Antonio. The pause serves as both a reminder of the challenges ahead and a testament to the company’s commitment to safety above all else.