As orange barrels line highways across Michigan, state officials are urging drivers to adopt safer behaviors in construction zones — starting with the zipper merge.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is highlighting the benefits of the zipper merge in its latest episode of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, where transportation experts discuss how to balance safety and mobility during active roadwork.

A zipper merge is a traffic technique that encourages drivers to use both lanes of a roadway until reaching a designated merge point, then take turns entering the open lane — much like the teeth of a zipper.

With traffic backups becoming increasingly common during the state’s busy construction season, MDOT has rolled out signage to instruct drivers where the zipper merge should be used.

"When approaching a construction zone in which a lane is reduced, remember to use the zipper merge. To keep traffic moving, drivers should use both lanes, with drivers taking turns alternating into the open lane," the Michigan State Police (MSP) said in a 2022 post on X.

Officials emphasize that following instructions and driving courteously plays a major role in keeping roads safe.

"It's important for drivers to follow instructions on signs and treat other drivers with respect to make the process safe and effective," MDOT said. "Drivers should never block lanes or try to control the flow of traffic during a zipper merge."

Joining the podcast is Lindsey Renner, MDOT’s division administrator for Construction Field Services and a former supervisor of the Work Zone Safety section. She explains how the zipper merge and other innovations are being implemented across the state.

Renner also discusses advanced safety tools such as rumble strips and speed trailers, which are used to alert inattentive drivers. Additionally, she touches on the role of enforcement initiatives like the "Ghost Rider" program — a joint effort between MDOT and the Michigan State Police aimed at catching distracted drivers in the act.

“Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near crashes," said 1st Lt. Mike Shaw, public information officer at the Metro Detroit Michigan State Police, in a post on X. "Distracted drivers are a threat to themselves, their passengers, and anyone else on the road to include pedestrians and bicyclists."

The Ghost Rider program involves law enforcement officers riding in unmarked “spotter” vehicles, with one officer observing for distractions while another unit is radioed in to make the traffic stop.

The Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, available online, explores a wide range of topics including connected and automated vehicles, public transit, rail, and other aspects of state transportation infrastructure.

Listeners can tune in to learn more about how MDOT and its partners are working to enhance safety and efficiency as Michigan’s roads undergo one of the busiest construction seasons in recent years.

Originally reported by Jenna Prestininzi in Detroit Free Press.