'There's still two camps': Zipper merge divides Winnipeg drivers
Spring is here, which means road work is once again ramping up in Winnipeg. But with the onset of construction season comes a renewed discussion about a controversial traffic management strategy.
Zipper merging is not a new thing in Winnipeg, having been first introduced as a pilot project in 2015. St. Boniface councillor Matt Allard has been championing the concept ever since, but he said it's been an uphill battle.
“There’s still two camps of those who think we shouldn’t do and those who think we should do it," said Allard. "But when you look at it from a traffic flow perspective, it really is a no cost way of moving traffic.”
In a zipper merge, drivers should continue travelling in their lane until they approach a lane closure. At the barricade, drivers are expected to take turns, one-by-one, proceeding through the construction zone.
Allard said zipper merging reduces traffic congestion and wait times. “If Winnipeggers adopt it, culturally, if we all decide to zipper merge together, it’ll improve traffic flow."
It's a sentiment echoed by Bronwyn Smith, walking by the construction zone at the St. Vital Bridge, “I like zipper merges when they work, like when everyone takes turns and is cooperative. But if no one’s cooperative and it doesn’t work, it’s just a nightmare. It’s just a mess,” she said.
“It’s way more efficient and it’s just the right thing to do,” said Ralph, who was walking through South Osborne on Friday afternoon. “And if everybody does it properly, it does work.”
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) said in an email to CTV News that a common misconception about zipper merging is that all vehicles should be in the lane that isn’t closed. This is not the case, and just leads to traffic backing up at an even greater distance.
MPI added that drivers who are changing lanes must signal their intention, and once you merge, consider giving a wave to the driver behind you.
The City of Winnipeg said zipper merge signage is typically found in construction zones with higher posted speed limits, and where work is expected to take more than a few days.
However, the city does encourage motorists to zipper merge at any location where a lane is closed.
“It’s just a little bit of common sense,” Ralph said. “Be courteous to the next person and if everybody does that, it’s not a big deal.”
The St. Vital bridge rehabilitation project is currently the only construction zone in Winnipeg with zipper merge signage in place. The city said starting next week, a project on northbound Oak Point Highway will have them as well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.