ZIPPER MERGE AT HIGH-TRAFFIC CONSTRUCTION ZONES

Road construction season is in full swing in Saskatoon and drivers will no doubt encounter some type of restrictions along their route at any time of day.  To keep traffic moving through work zones on high-traffic streets and freeways, the zipper merge is used where possible to ease traffic congestion, reduce collisions and ensure safety of drivers and workers.

“The zipper merge keeps traffic moving in two lanes up to the work zone edge at which point the lanes then take turns merging,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The City’s roadway coordinators carefully place signage in order to keep traffic moving, while providing a safe environment for workers and safe roadways for drivers.

The use of a zipper merge will reduce the potential for collisions and frustration when one lane is stopped or travelling very slowly and the other lane is travelling faster and unsafe merges occur.

Drivers are currently using a zipper merge on Circle Drive and it will also be in place on Idylwyld Drive during resurfacing over the next few weeks.  Additional locations may be added as traffic control plans are finalized.  Drivers should always follow the signs in place for the specific work zone.

“As drivers approach the “zipper merge ahead” sign and traffic starts to concentrate near the work zone, stay in your current lane up to the “merge here” sign,” Gardiner says.  “Then take turns in "zipper" fashion, alternating with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane.  Both lanes of drivers must take turns merging.”  A zipper merge works best on a long stretch of road with no cross-streets that require access.

Each work zone signage plan considers factors such as the space required for the work; volume and speed of traffic; volume of pedestrians; access to residences or businesses; and nearby restrictions that may impact traffic flow. This signage may stay in place when work zones may not appear active as roadside hazards may exist or fresh pavement or concrete needs to set.

For more information and a step-by-step video, visit saskatoon.ca and look under “Z” for Zipper Merge.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.