Drivers, get ready to see the "zipper merge" in action near Zoo Interchange



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Construction managers with the Zoo Interchange project are trying something new -- something drivers may have to get used to. It's called the "dynamic late" or "zipper merge." It's a creative road-sharing solution which urges drivers to continue using all available lanes until they reach what's known as the "merge point."

"The way that a zipper merge works is you use all three lanes of active traffic up to that point. We will have signs up, reminding motorists to alternate, when they get to the barrels," said Michael Pyritz of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Pyritz understands this is not the standard driving strategy in the Badger State.

"Wisconsin drivers and people in general, they're very polite, and we get in line early. We, you know, make sure that everyone sort of follows the rules. If we have 16 items, we don't go in the 15-item lane at the grocery store," said Pyritz.

The zipper merge will be found on the east leg of the Zoo Interchange -- from 70th Street to the actual interchange.

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