What is zipper merge

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Thanks for your understanding. How does it work? Tips for a safe and successful zipper merge when conditions allow : The zipper merge works best in traditional congestion situations like construction zones. Driving in the closing lane Drive consistently. When getting close to the source of the merge, signal your intent which gives other drivers time to notice and react.

Then merge in an alternating fashion. Driving in the open lane Leave extra room between you and the car ahead and drive consistently. At the source of the merge, give enough room for the car from the closing lane to merge into your lane in an alternating manner. Practice driver courtesy When driving in a Cone Zone , slow down safely, pay attention to the placement of the cones and watch for roadside workers or sudden traffic changes.

Agency Directory Online Services. At this point, motorists should merge in an alternating fashion, like a zipper. What are the benefits of a zipper merge? When a vehicle slows down to merge early in heavy traffic situations, it puts all drivers in danger, slowing traffic down too quickly, leading to unexpected crashes or angry motorists.

These dangers are decreased using the zipper merge. Traffic backups can be reduced as much as 40 percent. Many traffic engineers, in the meantime, are hoping the zipper merge will become more common and accepted.

For more information regarding the zipper merge or for general transportation questions, reach out to Nathan Silberhorn or any of our transportation engineering experts.

Blog Bidding Contact. Ayres Associates. Company Services Careers. Borders and Frontiers Looking for more? Learn More. About the Expert: Nathan Silberhorn, PE, is a senior project manager with over two decades of transportation experience in the private and public sectors.