Des Moines traffic volume rising as more workers head back to the office

(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines traffic volume during morning and afternoon rush hours has been increasing over the past several months, as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes. Private employers and government agencies have been gradually bringing employees back to the office. Some employees are choosing to continue working from home or split their days between home and the office each week.

State employees are gradually moving from working at home back to the office. Last month, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said agencies were making plans to bring back all employees by July 1st. An agreement will be required for those who wish to continue tele-working.

During the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, traffic volumes plummeted by as much as 50-percent on interstate highways. Volumes have slowly climbed back closer to more normal, pre-pandemic levels. Nathan Fischer of the WHO Radio Traffic Center says he's noticed a heavier traffic volume during the morning hours in metro Des Moines.