I was wondering why they don't structure construction lane closures this way, to make zipper merging more intuitive. Instead of closing one lane, shift both to the middle, then take the single merged lane to whichever side you want. Seems like an easy adjustment to make in cone and signage setup that could make things a whole lot better for people to understand.

Can confirm, lots of alternate merges in Maine... most of the time people are good about it. Unless they are driving a lifted truck or are from Massachusetts, then good luck.

The photo is the road leaving Mount Desert Island (home of Acadia National Park). What isn’t shown is the sign that preceded the ‘Alternate merge’ sign which simply says ‘Take Turns’. And everyone does - it’s kind of joyful.

My city had many problem at one spot so they put concrete barrier down the center and you choose kilometers ahead whether you are going left or right at this intersection. No more fights or assault charges!

No, if you want to be in the left lane in Denver CO, then you'd better get in the left lane in Bangor ME. LOL !!

I'm happy you used Hampden and Colorado as an example. I drive through there for work every day and it really is terrible. People sitting in that middle lane get an entitlement complex cuz someone is "cutting in line". So childish.

Zipper Merging can't work because people can't stand to let anyone get in front of them because if that happens your vehicle flips over and explodes.

We have it, but not a soul knows how to follow the rule, much less even know what it is.

I am a dinosaur. Had my DL for 55 years. 50 years ago we did not have 4 lane highways everywhere. Hell we still had one lane bridges in places. (Try THOSE things without the politeness of zippering being displayed). My son in law just can not comprehend "zipper" merging. He really thinks one lane MUST have the right of way not both equally have it. Must be a new age thing as some roads in the City he lives in have had to change "zipper" merges into only one lane legally crossing an intersection. A zipper merge then, was in effect for over 60 years. Too bad as it really slows traffic down which is the opposite of the principle objective of road management. But then the same city had to close a six entry road round-about because the tourist just never seen anything like it before. Now it looks like a used traffic light dealership and much much slower, But less accidents. Yahoo progress! You may not be able to teach old dogs new tricks. But you can not teach ANY driver any tricks.

I guess it's cheaper than bringing back drivers ed/training

When the sign says lane closed, whoever is still in that lane at the last minute is the problem…..and when the lane that closes is empty, there will always be that woman that thinks she can jump in line. It’s a human fact. You start rearranging the lanes, you’ll inevitably have two cars, at some point, door-to-door. It isn’t about who’s first, it’s a law written that speaks to lane dominance, as in RIGHT-OF-WAY.

What about my fragile ego?

No place I go that is busy has a lane end. Where I see backups is on the interstate when there's an off ramp leading to a backed up road. If you zipper merge there, you are going to block a thru lane of traffic that wouldn't be blocked otherwise.

I'm trying so hard to spread the word!

Everybody knows how a zipper merge works. It's just that too many people are selfish. They don't want one more car in front of them. They dont want Truck in front of them. If another car gets in front of them they might not make the next light etc... Zipper merges fail because people are selfish, not from a lack of understanding. How do i know this you might ask? I have a CDL and have spent 40 to 50 hours a week driving on every type of road in my region. I watch people close the gap on purpose to prevent merging and i watch a second vehicle floor it to cut off the vehicle that just let somebody merge properly every day. With 40 plus years of driving and the zipper merge still doesn't work. What hope do roundabouts have to succeed?

Zipper merger is one of those things that works great on paper. But once you add human beings its useless.

Those Colorado closures just look lazy. Spend some money if you're worried about safety.