Did you know that changing lanes as soon as you see an upcoming lane closure is the wrong way to merge?
The best way is actually to wait, zip, and wave.
This means continuing to travel in your lane until you reach the barricade, waiting (ideally for just one car to pass) to proceed, zipping in a let-one-drive-one pattern (ie: allowing one car in an ending lane to merge into the through lane between each car), and waving your appreciation to the driver behind you.
Changing this one behavior will actually make moving through lane closures more effective and efficient for all road users by reducing the length of the traffic queues waiting to enter a construction zone. It will also make construction zones safer by encouraging similar speeds in both lanes at the merge point, which decreases the risk of collision.
To support more mindful merging, we are now installing zipper merge signs at designated construction zones throughout Winnipeg to encourage drivers to come together like the teeth of a zipper – hence the name zipper merge.
Whether or not a sign is present, though, we encourage all Winnipeggers to merge mindfully when approaching all construction zones.
To help illustrate the maneuver, here's a helpful video from Manitoba Public Insurance (You can also watch out for their Merge Mindfully messaging out on Winnipeg streets this summer!)
Frequently asked questions
What is a zipper merge?
A true zipper merge is the proper way for drivers to deal with a situation where two or more lanes converge into one Drivers should use all possible lanes until just before the barricade, then alternately merge into the open lane one or both sides, like the teeth of a zipper coming together. This concept relies on drivers *not* merging into the continuing lane prior to the barricade – contrary to popular opinion on driver etiquette – as doing so actually slows the traffic flow and makes the wait for the through lane longer.
Why should we zipper merge?
Merging mindfully – particularly in high-speed designated zipper merge zones – makes construction zones safer and faster. It’s an effective way to move traffic more quickly and more safely through construction zone. It reduces the length of the traffic queue waiting to enter a construction zone, which can reduce congestion at intersections leading up to the closure, and encourages similar speeds in both lanes at the merge point, which decreases the risk of collision and increases safety for all road users.
What do you mean by wait, zip, wave?
The best way to merge when approaching a lane closure is to wait, zip, and wave. This means continuing to travel in your lane until you reach the barricade, waiting (ideally for just one car to pass) to proceed, zipping in a let-one-drive-one pattern (ie: allowing one car to merge into the through lane between each car currently in the through lane), and waving your appreciation to the driver behind you.
When should I start zipper merging? Do I need to wait for a sign?
The City of Winnipeg installs zipper merge signs at high-speed construction zones. Whether or not a sign is present, we encourage all Winnipeggers to merge mindfully when approaching construction zones.
Where should I zipper merge?
While we are only implementing an official zipper merge system in some designated construction zones, we encourage motorists to undertake the practice at all locations where a lane is closed.
