What’s a Zipper Merge? What You Need to Know About I-490 Bridge Construction
An Interstate 490 project to replace the bridges over the Erie Canal and Kreag Road in Perinton is quickly approaching. Working together, we can keep traffic flowing safely through the work zone.
The Project
The eastbound bridges – leaving Rochester – will be replaced during the 2025 construction season. Beginning on April 1, one travel lane in each direction will be closed to traffic for the duration of the construction season.
We encourage motorists to avoid the construction area by finding alternate routes.
Those who do use I-490 near Bushnell’s Basin area asked to use a late, or “zipper,” merge in the construction zone.
A zipper merge happens when traffic uses both open lanes of traffic until they reach the merge point. At that point, they take turns entering the construction zone, with the merge pattern resembling a zipper.
Benefits of zipper merging include enhanced safety, reduced traffic congestion and improved traffic flow.
Why a Zipper Merge?
At this location, traffic volume is high and exits are closely spaced. The lane closures could result in more significant congestion if motorists merge early and could lead to blocked entrance ramps and congestion on local access roads. If motorists use both lanes until the merge point, traffic delays that occur will be shorter.
Zipper merging is the most efficient way for traffic to progress through this construction zone.
We are seeking your help in encouraging people to avoid the area and find other ways
It’s important to know that motorists who use the zipper merge at this location are doing it correctly! They are not “cutting” the line or trying to unfairly get ahead of other motorists. All motorists should be polite, patient and take turns at the merge!
Watch for signs that say “Take Turns at the Merge”
We Need Your Help
Your assistance is essential to keeping roads in the Rochester area safe! We are asking you to partner with us in getting the word out. Please let your employees and visitors know to either find alternate routes or use the zipper merge method in the construction zone, and in either case, plan for extra travel time.
Specific actions you can take include:
- Consider allowing employees to have more flexible schedules, if practicable, so they can avoid traveling during the busiest commuting hours.
- Let your customers and employees know about the project on your own social media channels, through posters in staff break rooms and public areas, on your website or through other means of communication.
We’ve created an easy-to-use online toolkit, which includes social media graphics and text, posters, and draft text for employee emails and notifications. Are there important assets you need that aren’t included in our toolbox? Let us know!
Learn more at ny.gov/zippermerge or contact DOTCommunications@dot.ny.gov.