Saskatoon drivers struggle with zipper merge

Saskatoon drivers struggled with the implementation of the slow and steady zipper merge on Circle Drive between Millar Avenue and the Circle Drive Bridge Monday night.

Signe Larson works near Millar Avenue and Circle Drive. She says the new idea made traffic congestion even worse than usual.

"Traffic aroundfive today was backed up allthe way around the corner...therewas a lot of honking,"Larson said.

"People are pretty impatient when they want to go home, traffic is pretty congested as it is... I am actually not convinced it will work."

Zipper mergers reduce collisions, road rage

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

The area of Circle Drive between Millar Avenue and the freeway's bridge will be under construction for most of this month.

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

'The zipper merge treats everybody equally and everybody fairly.' Angela Gardiner

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 have been placed along the road to guide drivers through the process.

Saskatoon Police will be monitoringthe area and issuing fines to drivers who aren't following the rules.

"Zipper merges are all over in other cities and jurisdictions, so I think people should be able to fall in line fairly quickly once they understand," said Staff Sgt. Lafreniere.

But some worry it'll take too long for drivers to get used to the new method.

"It's going to be difficult because people don't necessarily notice new signs if they are used to driving around here," Larson said.

Saskatoon drivers will get to try out the mergingmethod from6:30 p.m. to6:30 a.m. for the next two days. This will give drivers a chance to get used to the new way.

Top 5 pros

Proponents of the zipper merge say it has five major advantages:

1. It reduces the difference in speeds between lanes.
2. It reduces the overall length of backed-up traffic (by as much as 40 per cent).
3. It reduces congestion on freeway interchanges.
4. It creates a sense of fairness and equality on the road, as all cars are moving at the same, slower speed.
5. It reduces incidences of road rage.

Construction crews are set to begin work on the section of freeway and hope to be finished by the end of the month. Until then, the zipper method will be the onlylawful method of merging in the area.