Waymo robotaxis are starting to return to freeways

Waymo is gradually restoring freeway driving in its robotaxi service after a pause of more than two months.

The company says software updates improved scene recognition and routing around freeway construction zones.

Service will restart first in Phoenix, then expand to Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The pause followed a voluntary recall of nearly 4,000 vehicles after repeated incursions into closed construction areas, though no injuries were reported.

Freeway access is key to rider appeal because it improves airport and commute trips, and the restart comes amid continued safety scrutiny.