With traffic volume so light because of the safer-at-home orders, many construction projects are ramping up their work efforts. Does that mean a faster end to construction?

Our Real Time Traffic Expert Chuck Henson has the answer in today's Traffic Inbox.

When looking for the bright side of everything that's happening right now, it seems strange that road construction would make that list. Yet it has.

Up until now, the standard for road projects that involve closing lanes is to have that work happen at night. Traffic volume is much lower during those times and those lane closures don't inconvenience as many people.

Last week, the Selmon Extension announced it was expanding its work hours, starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m.

Just a day later, it was extended to 24/7.

"I have to give credit to FDOT. They are the ones that are looking at this situation as well, and saying, ‘Hey, the traffic is way low, let's see what we can do,’" said Sue Chrzan, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority spokeswoman.

The left lane will stay closed on Gandy Boulevard, both directions between Dale Mabry Highway and the bridge so construction crews can keep working.

"But if you don't see anybody working, don't get upset because they're probably working inside,” Chrzan said. “But we always close those inside lanes to be on the safe side."

Remember that the bulk of that project is happening above you, so you wouldn't see crews on Gandy Boulevard.

That 24/7 concept is working well for some Interstate 275 projects as well.

According to Kris Carson with FDOT, the contractor working the punch through at the north end of the Howard Frankland Bridge where it crosses under the Memorial Highway ramp reports crews were able to finish in three days, around the clock, what would have taken upwards of a week.

As for the Selmon Extension project, the additional work has gained them a month on a project that was about six months behind.