JACKSON, Wyo. — Experiencing unexpected offseason traffic?
A construction project on Flat Creek Bridge has reduced traffic lanes on US89 down to one in each direction while crews work to repair and replace parts of the highway bridge. Work on that project is expected to continue through early June. Monday evening’s southbound commuters experienced more of a backup than usual for this time of year.
“Reminder that traffic control is up for the bridge repair project at the south end of Jackson,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) posted to Facebook. “Plan ahead for extra time. Fill both lanes and zipper merge. Be safe!”
The zipper merge is designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. According to traffic engineers, it is the most efficient way for traffic to funnel from two lanes into one lane. When drivers use both lanes until the merge point and then take turns merging, it utilizes the full capacity of the roadway. At the merge point, an alternating “you go, I go” method (think “zipper”) will get everyone more expediently into a single lane.
What usually happens is that most motorists begin getting over into a single lane as soon as they see a sign instructing them to do so. This practice wastes good lane space and causes unnecessary delays, lining vehicles out for far longer than necessary.
So, feel free to remain in the lane that is closing until the lane is actually disappearing. The zipper merge relies on a key ingredient: reciprocating grace and cooperation. Good luck out there.
