The Alachua County Public Works Department announced today that motorists can help reduce traffic congestion, decrease their commute times, and improve overall road safety by using the “zipper merge” technique. Most drivers merge early as shown above. Early merging is acceptable for light traffic conditions, but zipper merging can reduce congestion by 40% when used during periods of heavy traffic volumes.
Zipper merging is simple, yet highly effective. As traffic begins to slow during rush hour, drivers should begin to use the full length of the merging lane and then take turns merging into the open lane, alternating just like the teeth on a zipper.
Ideal locations for zipper merging on county roads are where two lanes are reduced to one. For example, NW 23rd Ave. at NW 58th St., NW 39th Ave. at NW 98th St., NW 43rd St. at Talbot Elementary, and Tower Road at SW Eighth Ave.
For more information, contact Civil Engineer Shanghong Ding at 352-548-1313.
