[Stu from NYC]

This is why I drive a Sherman tank

[wisbad1]

Originally Posted by Dotneko

So, driving on 466? 466A? there was a sign that said 'right lane closed ahead'. The closure was quite a distance ahead - as in more than 1/2 mile. Where I come from in Massachusetts, we are taught to merge with the left lane AT the actual closure in a 'zipper merge' - one car in left, then one car in right. Otherwise, you end up with one line of traffic for much longer than they intended with the closure.
Now, some wanna be traffic cop decided he would have his truck straddle the center line effectively blocking two lanes of traffic. He started this at the first sign that said 'right lane closed' and did not allow anyone through on the right. Have I entered a zone of different traffic laws?
For reference, i had just come from my Covid 19 vaccine that had two lanes of traffic that eventually merged. The local sheriff actually got on his bullhorn and said 'folks, keep two lanes until the merge' several times. He actually got out of his car and walked up to people to explain it to them.
So, I am fairly certain I am correct, but being in a convertible my only recourse against a truck was yelling at him being an idiot

What makes people mad is someone coming from all the way back and cutting in, or the moron who won’t move to the left lane causing back up doing 50 in a 70 zone

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I had never heard of "zipper" merging until I read this post. It would make perfect sense if drivers in the real world drove the way the drivers in the animation shown (in the You Tube video posted above) drove. However, in real life all of the drivers in the open lane would be bumper to bumper, instead of moving at a steady pace with enough space to allow a merge without risking an accident. I like it when a trucker blocks the lane that is soon to be closed off, because that gets everyone in line earlier, and avoids the line jumpers. I don't care what the Nebraska DOT preaches. People just don't drive, in real life, the way the cartoon cars drive in the demonstration video. It's laughable that the "authorities" think they might.

EZ-Pass lane of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland: zipper merge moved traffic along smoothly. On the other side of the cones, where the early merging and lane cutting was going on, things were a bit more sluggish.

It can and does work but it requires drivers to handle it properly - that's where the problem comes in.

[twoplanekid]

I learn something new every day.

Central Florida Expressway Authority
Are you a Merge Master?
Find out if your driving keeps traffic zipping along — or adds time to everyone's day.
https://www.cfxway.com/merge-master/#a

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

I completely disagree with merging where the lanes merge as it creates exactly what the original poster claims to be better. When people merge when first seeing the signs where a lane will be ending then they move through the effected area faster. When people wait till they have to merge you see those in the proper lane having to slow down or stop to let those people in....this is in fact what causes the major backup miles from the lane ending.

People who drive to where you have to move into that lane are hoping not to wait as long to get through the area. That is the reason why they put the "lane ends" sign up so far back...to give folks a chance before it becomes imperative to move. They are just like line cutters at any register or ticket booth.

If trying to justify your behavior why not check with department of transportation like I have and get the truth and not what fits your reasoning?

Old school. States are beginning to display signs that instruct zipper merging in construction zones. PA started doing it a couple years ago with State Police on site and instructing drivers to continue to the merge point. Other States are doing the same. Kids are being taught that process during their formative driving years. My grandson only knows zippering. Times change and if everyone plays nice, it benefits us all. Unfortunately changing old school is difficult.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Originally Posted by Dotneko

So, I am fairly certain I am correct, but being in a convertible my only recourse against a truck was yelling at him being an idiot

Yikes! This is Florida. Please do NOT do that! For your own well-being.