Zipper Merge in Effect as Work Starts on Idylwyld Drive over Ruth Street

The 50 year old overpass on Idylwyld Drive over Ruth Street is about to undergo a major rehabilitation. Work starts Sunday, May 15, and construction will be phased with crews working on one side at a time, allowing two-way traffic to be maintained without fully closing the overpass.

“Speed restrictions will be in place and traffic will be reduced from four lanes to two,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “We do not anticipate significant traffic delays so long as drivers pay attention to signage and use the zipper merge method.”

“To zipper merge correctly, as you see the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic backing up, stay in your current lane up to the point of merge. Then take turns with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane. Vehicles in the merging lane must signal, and drivers in the through lane must let one vehicle merge. This makes the traffic flow more quickly and efficiently for drivers in both lanes.”

Extensive rehabilitation work is scheduled until the end of August and will involve:

• Removal of existing asphalt wearing surface, membrane, and top portion of concrete deck
• Placement of new concrete deck and a new concrete overlay
• Modification of the approach slab and expansion joints
• Miscellaneous concrete repairs on the overpass

To learn more about this project, please visit saskatoon.ca/bridges. Zipper merge information is available at saskatoon.ca/zippermerge.