https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/10/business/road-rage-zipper-merging.html
https://archive.is/zwVfk for those without subscription.
I’ve seen it implemented correctly once or twice, when both lanes funneled into a single middle lane that then moved to one side or the other as appropriate. That way, neither lane is “ending” more than the other.
We have a zipper merge after two lanes turn onto a road. It usually works except when there’s a dope in the left lane that tries to cut people in the right lane off. Having a left turn at the end of the zipper doesn’t help with traffic flow, although the right lane can pass the turning car before completely merging.
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+1
I think of Zipper Merging in the same way that I think of living in a condo community. In theory, both are good. But, in practice, all you need is one or two inconsiderate a-holes to make life miserable for everyone else.