Why hasn't rush-hour crept back in La Jolla?

Highway traffic fell 40 % at the beginning of San Diego's lockdown, as analyzed by the San Diego Association of Governments.

Since then, driving has crept back - volumes at major freeway chokepoints are now only down about 15% on the average compared to before the pandemic.

However, many once-clogged freeways still operate at a brisk pace. Rush-hour speeds at traffic hot spots are today averaging about 25 MPH above usual.

If it looks like traffic should be worse, experts say that it is due to traffic jam's non-linear nature.

The phenomena, called induced demand, have been documented in many cities where gridlocked highways are widened to ascertain congestion quickly rebound.

The question remains, what will highway traffic look like in La Jolla - and San Diego in general - once the consequences of COVID-19 wear off?