Waymo begins reintroducing freeway routes after software upgrades

Waymo disclosed that it will incrementally bring back freeway operations for its robotaxi fleet, starting in Phoenix and later extending to Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The company attributes the restart to software updates that enhance detection of construction zones and adjust routing accordingly. This move follows a temporary suspension that began in May when Waymo identified multiple instances of its vehicles entering highway segments closed for work, leading to a voluntary recall of almost 4,000 robotaxis.

No injuries or collisions were reported in those incidents. The decision comes as lawmakers, notably Rep. Kevin Mullin, push for federal safety standards for autonomous vehicle operators after a series of high-profile mishaps. Waymo initially launched freeway service in several cities in late 2025, and the recent expansion had been popular with riders before the abrupt halt. The company says the new software fixes address the earlier shortcomings and will allow safe operation even in construction-heavy areas.