Congested traffic is a common occurrence when a lane is closed due to construction. Zipper merging means using both lanes until reaching a defined merge point. It’s a more efficient and safe way to keep traffic flowing.
A common misconception is that all vehicles should be in the lane that isn’t closed. This just leads to traffic backing up at an even greater distance.
When approaching construction zones, continue to travel in your lane until you reach the barricade, waiting (ideally for just one car) to proceed in a let-one-drive-one pattern. This zipper like pattern means allowing one car to merge into the through lane between each car currently in the through lane. Drivers who are changing lanes must signal their intentions.
Don’t forget to give a wave of appreciation to the driver behind you.
Wait. Zip. Wave. Merge mindfully.