Do Minnesotan’s Know How To Properly Navigate A Zipper Merge?

As someone who has made his living talking for the last 37 years, I enjoy a good turn of a phrase whenever I come across one, especially when it comes from a place that you don’t expect. 

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Yesterday afternoon, I came across a perfect example of turning a phrase that stood out to me. It came from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 

Yesterday was National Zipper Day, which came to be a thing because someone somewhere has what I’m calling an unnatural attraction to zippers and the work they do for us. 

What Is A Zipper Merge

But MnDOT used the day to remind us that construction season is upon us and we will be likely in a situation where we need to merge over due to road crews working on the roads in Minnesota. 

This is where you come up on the orange construction barrels that block a lane or section or roadway so road crews can repair it so that once the road is open again it will be a smoother, safer ride. 

A zipper merge will also be accompanied by the big road signs that tell us which of the lanes ahead will be closed so that we will be aware that we need to change lanes so that we can plan to do so safely. 

But do you know when you’re supposed to change lanes in a zipper merge situation? 

How To Properly Navigate A Zipper Merge

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says that you should stay in your lane, even if it is the lane that is closing, until you get to the merge point and then motorists are to take turns allowing traffic to merge over.  

I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t know this is what we were supposed to do, and I also feel that the percentage of motorists that allow other vehicles to move over in a timely manner isn't very high. But MnDOT says this is the safest procedure to abide by.  

We’re never too old to learn new things and I was yesterday years old when I learned how to properly navigate a zipper merge in Minnesota.  

Thanks, MnDOT and nicely done on the tweet.