A zipper merge on Highway 1 through Medicine Hat (photo courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Teagan Rasche

Zipper merge: the proper way to get through construction zones efficiently

Jul 20, 2021 | 4:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – When construction requires a lane closure two lanes must merge into one.

With all of the traffic, it is inevitable the flow will slow. Martin Wiseman, a chief instructor with Alberta Motor Association, has some advice for what drivers should do.

“Everyone thinks the best way is to get into the lane that is flowing nice and early but actually that just causes a huge queue and increases congestion,” Wiseman said.

When two lanes have to become one, the best way to do that is a zipper merge. That’s when drivers take turns converging into a single lane.

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Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer with the Medicine Hat police traffic unit says there is a proper way to do it.

“People are actually being too nice, then they get upset when somebody goes whizzing by and gets to the front of that lane that’s going to be closing,” Sadlemeyer said. “But actually that driver is doing it right.”

Wiseman says merging at the front of the flowing lane makes things more efficient and creates fewer emissions.

“If everyone can change their mindset and have a good following distance, it really helps promote the flow of traffic and reduces congestion by 40 per cent,” Wiseman said.

Wiseman says it’s important to know how to properly zipper merge because Alberta doesn’t have any roadside signs encouraging it. As work continues throughout the warmer months and highways stay busy, he also says it’s important to drive safely.

Police say there have been a few accidents and rear-endings in construction zones.

“Make sure you’re aware of the speed limit and you adhere to it,” Wiseman said. “Make sure you’re keeping good space around the vehicle, so use that minimum three seconds following distance from the vehicle in front.”

With construction expected to continue for some time, drivers will have lots of time to perfect the zipper merge.