A “zipper merge” will begin on Monday, Oct. 19 to help traffic flow on the Interstate 275 Carroll Cropper Bridge restoration project. It will impact traffic on the corridor between Kentucky and Indiana.
The signage will be in place to begin with the afternoon rush hour.
The zipper merge concept directs motorists to use BOTH traffic lanes until reaching the defined merge area, and then alternately merge in “zipper” fashion into the open lane.
It is being implemented on the Carroll Cropper Bridge project to help with significant backups and motorist frustration.
The bridge has an average daily traffic count of 33,000 vehicles and there are no alternative routes to use.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet works with the Kentucky Transportation Center on research and technology on how to improve Kentucky’s roadways. The KTC felt that the Carroll Cropper Bridge project would benefit from the zipper merge.
“This maintenance project has caused significant impacts to traffic using the I-275 corridor between Kentucky and Indiana.” said Rob Hans, Chief District Engineer for Department of Highways District 6, in Covington. “The zipper merge will help driver frustration and improve traffic flow.”
Motorists will see zipper merge signs to instruct drivers where and how to merge. The first sign will notify drivers to “Use Both Lanes During Backup”.
At the merge point, a sign will indicate “merge here” by showing two traffic lanes converging into a single lane. Additionally, the sign will instruct drivers to “Take Turns” which is critical to fully employ the zipper merge concept.
Zipper merging will improve traffic flow, prevent confusion, alleviate frustration and reduce congestion. Failure to take turns will cause more delay for everyone.
See more info at zipper merge, go to
The $6.7 million bridge restoration project began May 4.
In order to do the extensive work safely, a lane was closed in each direction and overweight and over-dimensional loads were restricted. Work includes removal of the concrete bridge deck, pouring of a new bridge deck, replacing certain joints and adding roadway lighting. Work was completed Sept. 21 on the I-275 westbound bridge and operations moved to the eastbound structure.
The project is to be completed by Dec. 15.
Navigate traffic with KYTC, www.511.ky.gov