With construction underway on Michigan roads, it’s a certainty you’ll need to merge down to one lane at some point: State officials are urging drivers to “zipper” merge, a method to navigate congested highway work zones.
The Michigan Department of Transportation recommends the zipper merge amid construction, allowing drivers to use both lanes as long as possible and then take turns merging into one lane.
State transportation officials on this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, will discuss zipper merging during a conversation about efforts engineers take to balance mobility and safety during active road work.
Lindsey Renner, division administrator for Construction Field Services at MDOT and a former supervisor of the Work Zone Safety section, also will explain the challenges involved and discuss innovative methods such as rumble strips, speed trailers and law enforcement employing a “Ghost Rider” program to identify distracted drivers.
Here’s what to know.
How can I listen to the podcast?
The Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with transportation experts inside and outside MDOT and will touch on anything and everything related to mobility, including rail, transit and the development of connected and automated vehicles.
You can listen to the current and past podcast episodes online.
What is the zipper merge?
A zipper merge is when traffic merges into one lane on a road, alternating to use one lane through construction.
How do you know if you’re in a zipper merge?
If you’re entering a zipper merge on the road, look for signs advising drivers to use both lanes take turns, MDOT said.
How does MDOT use the zipper merge?
MDOT uses the zipper merge in construction zones where there is a bottleneck, typically on roads in congested, urban areas, the department says.
How can you ensure a smooth zipper merge?
It’s important for drivers to follow instructions on signs and treat other drivers with respect to make the process safe and effective, MDOT says. Drivers should never block lanes or try to control the flow of traffic during a zipper merge.
Do police recommend the zipper merge?
The Michigan State Police have recommended the process numerous times.
“When approaching a construction zone in which a lane is reduced, remember to use the zipper merge. To keep traffic moving, drivers should use both lanes, with drivers taking turns alternating into the open lane,” MSP said in a 2022 post on X.
What is Ghost Rider?
Law enforcement officials from the Michigan State Police patrol for distracted drivers in unmarked vehicles. The initiative uses unmarked spotter cars with a law enforcement officer in the passenger seat monitoring for distracted drivers. Once spotted, a visible law enforcement unit is radioed in to conduct a traffic stop.
“Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near crashes,” said 1st Lt. Mike Shaw, public information officer at the Metro Detroit Michigan State Police, in a post on X. “Distracted drivers are a threat to themselves, their passengers, and anyone else on the road to include pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Zipper merge: MDOT podcast will discuss safety, rumble strips, construction
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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