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I-196 weekend lane closure: MDOT advocates ‘zipper merge’

Posted at 7:00 AM, Jun 26, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-26 07:00:31-04
I-196 EB LC 062615

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Drivers can expect backups this weekend on eastbound I-196 between Grandville and Grand Rapids, and the Michigan Department of Transportation is recommending drivers use what is called the “zipper merge” to reduce the slowdowns.

Expect a lane closure on eastbound I-196 from 28th Street to Market Avenue from10 p.m. Friday until no later than 5 a.m. Monday. (See other weekend closures below the YouTube videos.)

The zipper merge is the manuever where drivers in two lanes approaching a lane closure all wait until the last minute to merge into one lane.

Two other midwestern states encourage using the use of the zipper merge maneuver and have produced videos on it:

Here are other weekend road jobs on the schedule:

I-96, Walker

  • Ramp closure
  • Ramp from southbound US-131 to eastbound I-96 closed
  • Resurfacing
  • Friday, June 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.

    I-96, Grand Rapids

  • Lane closure
  • Left lane closed on eastbound I-96 from US-131 to 3 Mile
  • Pavement repair
  • Friday, June 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.

    I-96, Grand Rapids

  • Ramp closure
  • Ramp from Plainfield Avenue to eastbound I-96 closed
  • Resurfacing
  • Friday, June 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.
  • Detour: South on Plainfield Avenue to Ann Street, west on Ann Street, north on US-131 to I-96

    I-96, Grand Rapids Township

  • Lane closure
  • Right lane closed on westbound I-96 from Cascade Road to I-196
  • Pavement repair
  • Friday, June 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.

    I-96, Grand Rapids Township

  • Ramp closure
  • Ramp from westbound M-21 Fulton Street to westbound I-96 closed
  • Pavement repair
  • Friday, June 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.
  • Detour: Contine west to East Beltline, north to I-96