Zipper merge ahead

I often find it frustrating how lane restrictions are conducted during our road destruction season. You will see a sign that reads, “Left Lane Closed Two Miles Ahead.” Immediately everyone shifts to the right lane and the traffic comes to a standstill while the left lane remains open.

Some brave souls try to use the empty lane, hoping to squeeze in ahead of everyone waiting patiently in the right lane. Everyone hates them, some try to block them, no one wants to let them in but somebody always does. I’ve never shoved my way up to the front, but have always wondered why we can’t just use both lanes until time to go to one lane.

While I was in East Helena this week, I saw a reader board by the highway that said “Zipper Merge Ahead.” Never having heard the expression before, I knew its meaning immediately. The speed limit came down, and everyone took turns merging together, like a zipper closing. No road rage, no confusion and traffic kept flowing.

Brilliant! Why hadn’t I thought of that? Oh yeah, I did.

DOT, are you listening?

Randy Haglund

Spokane