Could the Zipper Merge Solve CT’s Traffic Woes?

I'm not alone in detesting traffic jams and snarl ups. My vote is yes for drivers learning how to do the zipper merge.

I live the nightmare of commuting through Waterbury on I-84 and the hell of the many years long construction project. So whether I'm coming to work or heading home it's an effing nightmare!

I remarked recently to my husband that I had heard about a thing called the zipper merge that some states around the country use. It calls for drivers to wait to merge until their lane is almost closed and then take turns with the car in the open lane when merging over.

Not only would it be helpful heading in and out of construction zones, but also for all the sections of I-84 where it goes from three lanes to two and all those drivers are using up the very last inch of  space to just squeeze their way in front of you.

In a story from the Danbury News Times things might change around here. I have driven in Connecticut for longer than I care to think about and I had absolutely no idea we are what's called an early merge state. Did you know?

Early merge means drivers are supposed to move over as soon as they can after seeing signs saying that the lane you are in is going away. Many other states have implemented the zipper merge which they say is favored by many traffic engineers. According to the article, Connecticut is considering using it for construction zones.

Kevin Nursick, spokesman for the Connecticut DOT had this to say about the zipper merge to the News Times:

If everyone is paying attention and takes their turn, then you can really keep the traffic moving

Of course there's the rub - IF everyone pays attention and is courteous. Fat chance of that happening with harried drivers in our state. Still, I'd love to see Connecticut start it up in construction zones and give it a shot in 2017.

Listen to Pam Brooks weekdays from 10-3PM on 95.1 FM, online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.