It’s called a “zipper merge” because it works like the teeth of a zipper, and many states are studying the idea and the best road signs to explain how drivers should do it.

Perhaps you've seen this sign where southbound I-85 meets NC 147. NCDOT is studying whether the zipper technique can reduce congestion, but drivers say they are thoroughly confused by the new sign.

Many drivers, when they see a “lane closed ahead” sign, move over right away, doing the long-established early merge.

Starting about 1.5 miles ahead of the lane closure, a series of signs were placed on both sides of the road, “Road work ahead,” “Use both lanes to merge point,” “Lane closed ahead” and ...

The zipper merge can be an effective method to manage traffic in congested construction zones. The Michigan Department of Transportation rolls out road signs to notify drivers where it is in place.

The study found that three signs ahead of a zipper merge could help drivers use the preferred merging method. To stream 9NEWS on your phone, you need the 9NEWS app. Download the 9NEWS app ...

Zipper merge signage from the Michigan Department of Transportation. In work zones where traffic volume is high and average speeds are slowed, the zipper merge technique is recommended to improve ...

Early merging leads to longer backups, more crashes and road rage incidents. Zipper-merge procedure • When you see a “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic is backing up, ...

If you ever needed to embrace the zipper merge, now is the time when driving Fort Collins' busiest road into the city from Interstate 25. ... There are signs to warn drivers of lane reductions.

Starting about 1.5 miles ahead of the lane closure, a series of signs were placed on both sides of the road, “Road work ahead,” “Use both lanes to merge point,” “Lane closed ahead” and ...