Construction season is back in Michigan and as more orange barrels pop up, so do back ups.
But MDOT is trying to teach the proper, most efficient method to get through construction back ups and they need all drivers to buy in for it to work.
“Depending on the traffic if it’s busy we want to get over soon as we can,” said Tim Furrow of Grand Rapids.
“I try to be really proactive and get up early,” said Justin Orman of Holland.
Bill Trego of Toledo said, “I get over soon as possible.”
It’s the common thinking, when there is construction ahead and a lane closes, drivers do the courteous thing and get over as soon as possible.
But according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, and math, the proper, most efficient method, when traffic is heavy, is the Zipper Merge.
“It’s like the idea of everybody kind of zipping,” said Orman, “I guess a little bit later on, as an example.”
The idea is for cars to fill both lanes all the way until the merge point and then take turns getting in to the single lane. This way traffic takes advantage of all available lane space and thus making backups and commute times shorter.
“I don’t think it is, it creates a lot of frustration for the people who have been waiting in line for a while,” said Trego, “You got people trying to sneak up there and move in so late. I don’t agree with that.”
“I think it’s worthwhile,” said Furrow, “You have people cutting in and causing more delays.”
It may seem counterproductive but it isn’t. MDOT is pushing for it to be the standard method when traffic is heavy. Making it the norm avoiding the issue of feeling rude and drivers blocking lanes to avoid others from “cutting.”
“To irritate people? It’s pretty unnecessary,” said Osman, “Anything to get people going on the roads is just gonna make the situation worse.”
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