Wait, zip, and wave on Winnipeg streets this summer

Zipper merge program officially launches

June 13, 2022

Look for signs like this one at road construction sites this summer as a reminder to practice zipper merging.

Did you know that changing lanes as soon as you see an upcoming lane closure is the wrong way to merge?

The best way is actually to wait, zip, and wave.

This means continuing to travel in your lane until you reach the barricade, waiting (ideally for just one car to pass) to proceed, merging in a let-one-drive-one pattern like the teeth of a zipper coming together, and waving your appreciation to the driver behind you.

We’ll be giving drivers a bit of an extra nudge this summer with official zipper merge signage at some designated construction zones and “Wait, zip, wave” advertising from both us and our partners at Manitoba Public Insurance.

The hope is educating Winnipeggers on a friendlier way to move through lane closures together.

“Zipper merging is actually counterintuitive to what many Winnipeggers believe is proper merging behavior,” said David Patman, Manager of Transportation with the City’s Public Works Department.

Winnipeggers are encouraged to watch for zipper merge signs in designated construction zones this summer, but – perhaps more importantly – to start practicing this mindful merging anytime they approach a lane closure.

“Merging mindfully ultimately makes construction zones more efficient and makes for a smoother ride for all of us,” said Patman.

Transportation and Streets

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.

Ces renseignements sont-ils utiles?

Comment pourrait-on améliorer cette page Web?

Les renseignements recueillis serviront à l’amélioration de notre site Web. Prière de ne pas se servir de ce formulaire pour soumettre une demande de service ou de renseignements, car la demande ne sera pas transmise au service en question. Pour soumettre une demande de service ou de renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec le 311.

Le présent formulaire ne vise pas à recueillir des renseignements personnels. Cependant, les renseignements personnels que vous choisissez d’inclure dans vos commentaires sont recueillis par la Ville de Winnipeg en conformité avec l’alinéa 36(1)b) de la Loi sur l’accès à l’information et la protection de la vie privée dans le but d’améliorer son site Web et ne seront ni utilisés ni divulgués pour d’autres raisons, sauf dans les cas où cela est autorisé par la loi. Communiquez avec l’agent de l’accès à l’information et de la protection de la vie privée de la Ville par courrier au Bureau du greffier, immeuble Susan-A.-Thompson, 510, rue Main, Winnipeg (Manitoba) R3B 1B9, ou par téléphone au 311 si vous avez des questions sur la collecte de ces renseignements.