Construction zones across Harrisburg create daily challenges for drivers, and one merging technique continues to spark confusion and conflict on Pennsylvania roads. A zipper merge occurs when drivers use both lanes of traffic until reaching a designated merge point, then alternate into the open lane like teeth on a zipper—but this seemingly simple concept often leads to dangerous situations when drivers disagree on the rules.
At Schmidt Kramer, our highly qualified legal team has represented countless Harrisburg drivers who have been injured in merging-related accidents. We understand the unique risks that zipper merges create on local roadways, from Interstate 83 to Route 322.
If you have been hurt in a zipper merge crash, contact our office today for a free consultation. Our experienced car crash attorneys in Harrisburg will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain what legal options you may have.
Call Schmidt Kramer for a FREE Case Review today. 717-727-2500
What Exactly Is a Zipper Merge?
A zipper merge is a traffic method that requires drivers to use both available lanes until they reach the point where one lane closes. At that designated spot, vehicles from the closing lane take turns merging into the continuing lane, alternating one car at a time.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) encourages this technique in construction zones because it is designed to reduce traffic backups and maintain traffic flow. Unlike early merging, where drivers begin moving into the open lane as soon as they see warning signs, the zipper merge keeps both lanes active until the last possible moment.
Are Zipper Merges Legally Required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require zipper merges by law, though PennDOT actively encourages their use through promotional materials and signage in construction zones. Drivers face no penalties for choosing to merge early instead of waiting until the designated merge point. However, blocking traffic or preventing other drivers from merging is illegal and can result in traffic violations.
The law places responsibility on merging drivers to execute their lane changes safely, while drivers already in the continuing lane must exercise reasonable care and not intentionally prevent others from merging. This lack of a clear mandate creates confusion among Pennsylvania drivers about the proper way to navigate lane closures.
How Do Zipper Merges Benefit Commuters in Harrisburg?
When executed properly, zipper merges offer several advantages for Harrisburg area drivers dealing with heavy construction zones:
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Using both lanes fully prevents long backups in a single lane, which distributes vehicles more evenly across available road space.
- Faster Travel Times: Traffic moves more efficiently when drivers are not sitting idle in one lane while another remains empty.
- Decreased Merge-Related Conflicts: A clear merge point eliminates confusion about when and where drivers should change lanes.
- Lower Risk of Rear-End Collisions: When traffic moves at a more consistent speed without sudden braking for early mergers, the chance of crashes decreases.
Where Are Zipper Merges More Likely to Occur in the Harrisburg Area?
Harrisburg drivers encounter zipper merge situations at construction zones throughout the region. Several current projects in the area present particular challenges:
- Interstate 83 Capital Beltway Project: The ongoing reconstruction between Exit 44B and Exit 45 near 19th Street, 29th Street, and Cameron Street creates frequent lane closures and merging conflicts. This heavily traveled corridor sees over 110,000 vehicles daily.
- Interstate 81 Near Progress Avenue: Construction zones between the George N. Wade Bridge and Route 22/322 interchange require regular merging, particularly during bridge preservation work.
- Route 322 at Chambers Hill Road: The intersection reconstruction project in Swatara Township creates extended lane restrictions where zipper merging becomes necessary during peak traffic hours.
- Interstate 83 and Interstate 81 Interchange: This critical junction north of Harrisburg experiences heavy commercial and commuter traffic, making merging situations more hazardous when large trucks are involved.
The Interstate 83 reconstruction zones present the highest risk due to narrow work areas, high traffic volumes, and frequent lane shifts.
Do Zipper Merges Create a Crash Hazard for Harrisburg Drivers?
Zipper merges only work when drivers know what is expected of them, and inconsistent signage across Pennsylvania creates confusion. Many Pennsylvania drivers learned to merge early out of courtesy, viewing those who wait until the merge point as cutting in line. This cultural expectation clashes directly with zipper merge principles. With some drivers merging early and others waiting to use the full lane, confusion and conflicts may arise.
Crash hazards that may specifically arise from an improperly executed zipper merge may include:
- Road Rage Incidents: In heavier traffic especially, drivers may get frustrated or angry at drivers waiting until the last possible moment to merge. In some cases, this could lead to road rage.
- Chain-reaction crashes: If one driver correctly does a zipper merge, while a driver in the destination lane deliberately speeds up, it could result in a chain reaction crash.
- Rear-end Collision: Another possible type of crash that may result if one driver’s anger escalates to aggression and they try to prevent a car entering their lane.
- Sideswipe Crashes: Confusion about when and where drivers from the other lane should merge can result in a sideswipe crash. This is much more likely to occur when there is a lack of communication – or when either driver is not paying attention to what is happening at the merge point.
- Increased traffic congestion/bottleneck: Drivers who hesitate to merge or others who fail to follow zipper merge protocol can cause a bottleneck.
Who May Be Liable for a Crash at a Zipper Merge?
Under Pennsylvania law, merging drivers generally bear responsibility for accidents resulting from unsafe merging. However, liability is not always straightforward. The driver already established in the continuing lane may share fault if they intentionally block another vehicle, speed up to prevent a safe merge, or fail to exercise reasonable caution.
When an accident occurs during what would normally be considered a safe merge, and another driver unexpectedly changes behavior, that non-merging driver may be held at least partially liable. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means multiple parties can share responsibility for a collision.
How to Navigate Zipper Merges Safely and Confidently
Protecting yourself and others in zipper merge zones requires attention and cooperation:
- Use Both Lanes: Drive in either lane until you reach the designated merge point, as this follows PennDOT recommendations and keeps traffic flowing.
- Watch for Merge Point Signs: Pay attention to construction zone signage indicating where lanes will close and where merging should occur.
- Alternate Fairly: If you are in the continuing lane, allow one vehicle from the closing lane to merge in front of you at the merge point.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Leave adequate space between your vehicle and the car ahead to accommodate merging traffic.
- Avoid Blocking Maneuvers: Never straddle two lanes or intentionally prevent another driver from reaching the merge point safely.
- Stay Patient: Accept that some drivers will merge early while others wait and respond appropriately – even if it means allowing another vehicle to go first – to avoid aggressive responses to either behavior.
What Should You Do After a Zipper Merge Accident?
If despite your best efforts to navigate a zipper merge safely you are involved in a collision at a zipper merge, take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights:
- Check for Injuries: Seek medical attention at a nearby ER or urgent care center, even if injuries seem minor initially. Internal injuries can quickly become life-threatening, so it is to your benefit to rule them out with a proper medical examination.
- Call Police: Calling 911 to contact police helps to ensure less chaos at a crash scene. Additionally, it means you have an official accident report, which provides crucial/objective documentation for insurance claims and potential legal action.
- Document the Scene: Crash scene investigators document the scene, but if you can capture additional photos from the safety of your vehicle, it can be helpful to your claim. Never put your safety – or the safety of others – to gather evidence. In addition to what crash scene investigators document, your attorney can take legal steps to preserve evidence.
- Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all drivers involved, along with witness statements if possible.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Limit your statements to factual information about what happened without speculating about who was at fault.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly but it is a good idea to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
- Seek Legal Guidance: Contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and protect your interests during the claims process.
Need Legal Help After a Zipper Merge Crash in Harrisburg? Call Schmidt Kramer
Zipper merge accidents often involve complex liability questions and disputes between drivers and insurance companies.
At Schmidt Kramer, we help crash victims every day, and we have decades of successfully recovering compensation for our clients. We also have extensive experience, knowledge, and resources to investigate your crash thoroughly, determine all responsible parties, and recover fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Don’t let worries about cost keep you from seeking legal help. We take injury claims on contingency, which means you pay zero upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. We only get paid if you do!
Contact our Harrisburg office today to schedule your free case evaluation. 717-727-2500