Drivers to 'zipper merge' on Circle Drive

The City of Saskatoon is asking motorists to use the 'zipper merge' method to keep traffic moving during construction on Circle Drive.

Starting this evening, Circle Drive between Millar Avenue and the Circle Drive Bridge will be down to one lane. It will be one lane for the next three evenings and overnight, then shifts to 24-hours per day until the end of the month.

The zipper merge method is designed to reduce traffic backup when two lanes merge into one through a construction zone.

When most drivers see a 'lane closed' sign they want to immediately merge, the city said, adding that it can lead to collisions and road rage.

In the zipper method, drivers keep moving in the two lanes until the last moment when both lanes take turns merging into one.

"The zipper merge treats everybody equally and everybody fairly," said Angela Gardiner, the city's Transportation Branch manager. "Everybody is at a little bit slower speeds, and more equal speeds, and can be safer and more efficient."

New signs will be placed roadside to guide drivers through the process.

The Saskatoon Police Service will monitor the area and issue fines to drivers who aren't following the signage.

The City of Saskatoon is pointing people towards this zipper merge instructional video: