by With summer construction season in full swing and travel peaking across the state, Michigan transportation officials and state police are urging drivers to adopt the “zipper merge” technique to ease congestion and reduce delays in construction zones.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan State Police emphasize that using both lanes up to the merge point, then taking turns merging—just like the teeth of a zipper—is not only recommended, but also the most efficient method to maintain traffic flow.
“If we needed you back further, we would have moved the arrow back further,” said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross, pushing back against the idea that merging early is more polite or correct.
F/Lt. Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police echoed that message:
“There’s no reason for everyone to get over to one lane and leave a bunch of area empty because that creates a bigger backup.”
Despite clear guidance from officials, many drivers continue to resist late merging, with some even taking illegal measures to block those who follow the zipper method.
“Blocking lanes to prevent others from merging is considered a traffic impediment and is illegal,” Shaw warned.
Some drivers, like Jackie Weigand and Carl Jett, say they prefer merging early out of courtesy or safety concerns. Others, like Justin Carvin, support cooperation at merge points:
“I absolutely let people over because I would want the same courtesy shown to me.”
David Kirchgasler, another local motorist, recognizes the value of the system—but also its practical limitations:
“If everyone did it, it would make sense. I know people get angry because they have waited in line and cars zip by.”
Officials stress that driver cooperation is key to making the zipper merge work. While early merging can feel more courteous, MDOT says the system works best when everyone uses both lanes and takes turns at the merge point.
“It’s good courtesy to do it earlier if you can,” said Cross, “but reducing road rage and maximizing lane usage is the ultimate goal.”
Michigan officials are urging the public to understand the legal and practical advantages of zipper merging—and to resist the temptation to merge early out of habit or social pressure.
