Waymo is cautiously resuming its freeway routes, more than two months after temporarily pausing due to issues with robotaxis near construction zones. The company now plans to gradually reintroduce these high-speed roads in key markets such as Phoenix, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny over autonomous vehicle safety, following incidents where self-driving cars have blocked emergency vehicles and failed to recognize traffic signals. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) has proposed federal regulations to address these concerns.

Waymo's return to freeways marks a significant step in its expansion efforts, aiming to attract users seeking faster commute times and quicker access to airports. However, the recall of nearly 4,000 robotaxis due to incidents involving construction zones highlights ongoing challenges faced by autonomous vehicle operators.

The company claims that recent software updates, including enhanced scene recognition and routing, have improved performance around freeway construction zones. This move is part of a broader strategy by Waymo to balance safety with the convenience offered by autonomous rides.