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Drivers traveling
on Interstate 10 in La Paz County should plan for the region’s first zipper merge as they approach and drive
through an active work zone about 37 miles east of the California border. The
Arizona Department of Transportation will use a zipper merge on eastbound I-10
between mileposts 37 and 39 on Tuesday, April 25, while crews complete pavement
testing.
- Eastbound I-10 will be narrowed to one lane in the work zone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Eastbound drivers should slow down to 45 mph and prepare for the zipper merge as they approach the lane restriction.
The zipper-merge technique calls for
drivers to resist the urge to merge early. Instead, drivers remain in both
lanes until they see signs that say “merge here” and “take turns merging.”
Then, they take turns entering the open travel lane.
Using a zipper merge can reduce the length
of a traffic backup by up to 40 percent, according to the Federal Highway
Administration, while providing more predictable driver behavior. Keeping
traffic in both lanes longer enhances safety by reducing the speed differential
between the lanes.
So far, ADOT has used zipper merges to ease
traffic congestion in Phoenix and Tucson-area work zones. Watch a
short video and read a blog about zipper merges here.
ADOT works to inform the public about
planned highway restrictions and closures, but it’s possible that unscheduled
impacts might occur because of weather or other factors. For the most current
information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information
site at www.az511.gov,
follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT)
or call 511, except while driving.
For more information, please contact the ADOT Project Information Line
at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov.
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