It is called the zipper merge, and the Nebraska Department of roads is asking drivers to start doing it.
The new way of merging is for construction areas and when cars are forced to go to one lane. The zipper merge has drivers stay in both lanes as long as possible and then merge in an alternating fashion creating a zipper affect.
“The reasons behind it are very positive, for your safety, it is to keep traffic moving and prevent delays,” said Rose White with Nebraska AAA.
NDOR has already implemented the zipper merge into the HW 75 construction
‘Most people just get right over, they don't wait until the last minute, even though it says to,” said Janeen Strong, who drives through the zipper merge every day.
NDOR said they think the zipper is working and it helps with traffic flow through the area, but some drivers are not fans of the new merge.
“I think it is quite silly actually, I don't like the idea of waiting until the last second to merge over especially with traffic backed up and crazy,” said Katherine Bond.
“Most of the time it is not happening anyway, I know it is a single white line but it seems everyone merges to the left side,” added Jose Gaucin.
The plan is to have more zipper merges in constructions zones and that should help drivers get used to the new style.
“So it is always important when you get to that merge point take your turn, make sure you leave a proper amount of space so the other person can safety merge in front of you,” said White.
White also said that if traffic is not heavy drivers can always merge early, but in traffic the zipper merge is advised.
Do you know what the "zipper merge" is? Nebraska drivers are encouraged to do it through construction areas. Why? Story tonight @ 10. pic.twitter.com/QhQV1fMCCd
— Miranda Christian (@MIRanda_TV3) March 9, 2017
