Merging

[Spurminator]

Why is it that any time you have construction on the highway, people feel inclined to merge into one lane a mile before the lane is blocked off? More importantly, why is it that when people merge early, they feel that the cars behind them should be obligated to merge when they do? Countless times I've seen some asshole pull out of the merged lane to block people from passing by, which they have every right to do as long as the lane is still open.

What authority do they have to decide when it's appropriate to merge, especially when there are cones and arrows conveniently placed on the road for this purpose??

When traffic merges early, it adds to traffic buildup. It causes traffic to move more slowly through the construction. Furthermore, it adds an element of danger when people merge (and unmerge) based on their own whims. It's faster and safer to wait until you've reached the point where you are instructed to merge.

[CuckingFunt]

That doesn't make any sense.

If everyone merged sooner it would be far less disruptive to the flow of traffic because people would be able to merge at freeway speed. The only thing that slows it all down is when people wait until the last minute and the open lane is forced to slow to a crawl to accommodate the drivers who are at a dead stop right against the cones.

Merging at the last minute in order to get ahead is a jerk move and slows everything down for everyone else.

[Mixability]

Merging at the last minute in order to get ahead is a jerk move and slows everything down for everyone else.

:tu

I remember one time recently, there was this guy tailgating me bad on I-35. I had my kid in the car so I moved over, because I remembered that there was a construction zone coming up, so I figured I'll just let this dumbass pass because I'm not getting in a wreck if I'm gonna have to slow down anyway.

Well, I guess he didn't know about the construction, because as he approached the area where there is a new concrete wall with no shoulder, he clipped the left side of his vehicle. All I saw was plastic lights and and his mirror flying. The dumbass knew it was his fault, because he didn't even stop. He did slow down thought and I HAD to give him a congratulatory honk and thumbs up as I exited the highway.

[johnsmith]

Why is it that any time you have construction on the highway, people feel inclined to merge into one lane a mile before the lane is blocked off? More importantly, why is it that when people merge early, they feel that the cars behind them should be obligated to merge when they do? Countless times I've seen some asshole pull out of the merged lane to block people from passing by, which they have every right to do as long as the lane is still open.

What authority do they have to decide when it's appropriate to merge, especially when there are cones and arrows conveniently placed on the road for this purpose??

When traffic merges early, it adds to traffic buildup. It causes traffic to move more slowly through the construction. Furthermore, it adds an element of danger when people merge (and unmerge) based on their own whims. It's faster and safer to wait until you've reached the point where you are instructed to merge.


People like you are the ones that create traffic.

Being in the road construction industry, I've sat there many times and watched in order to see who really creates traffic, and 10 times out of 10, it's the people that wait until the last second.

[Spam]

That doesn't make any sense.
Merging at the last minute in order to get ahead is a jerk move and slows everything down for everyone else.

People who do that crap suck ass. Then they expect everyone to just let them in. I don't. They need to wait just like everyone else.

[johnsmith]

People who do that crap suck ass. Then they expect everyone to just let them in. I don't. They need to wait just like everyone else.


There would be no waiting if they just merged earlier.

[Shelly]

That doesn't make any sense.

If everyone merged sooner it would be far less disruptive to the flow of traffic because people would be able to merge at freeway speed. The only thing that slows it all down is when people wait until the last minute and the open lane is forced to slow to a crawl to accommodate the drivers who are at a dead stop right against the cones.

Merging at the last minute in order to get ahead is a jerk move and slows everything down for everyone else.

i have to agree with CF on this one.

[Spam]

There would be no waiting if they just merged earlier.

There would be less waiting if it didn't have to stop to let those idiots in.

[j-6]

My favorites are all the idiots that cut in at the last minute who are multi-tasking in the first place. Cell phone in one hand, makeup or coffee or cigarette in the other....then block off a lane when nobody will let them in because they didn't merge earlier. And being an unsafe asshat while they're at it. I drive through three of these type of zones each way to work and back and can't believe that so many people here tolerate this. In a state with so many commuters, why can't we get a hands-free law like NY?

I've wanted to install a nautical horn in my truck to scare the shit out of those people for a long time. Problem is, knowing my luck, I'd blast some 20 year old girl that's texting and driving into a fuel tanker truck or something.

[Mr. Peabody]

It's faster and safer to wait until you've reached the point where you are instructed to merge.

It's faster for everyone to try and merge at one point rather than having people merge whereever they can in the flow of traffic? That doesn't make any sense.

[cornbread]

If you haul ass to the front of the line to cut in front everybody, I'm the guy that won't let you in.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I've wanted to install a nautical horn in my truck to scare the shit out of those people for a long time. Problem is, knowing my luck, I'd blast some 20 year old girl that's texting and driving into a fuel tanker truck or something.

And that's a problem how exactly?

[cherylsteele]

That is similar to waiting until an exit has passed you by and you instantly go three lanes over just to make your exit because you never read the signs say you exit is just ahead.

It is called planing ahead, if you would have taken defensive driving or driver's ed you would possibly have a different point of view. If actions likes caused an accident, you would probably be cited for aggressive driving, or worse if a fatality resulted. Unfortunately, my little car has difficulty in preventing this, I'll blow my horn and all I get usually is this: :flipoff

[AmericanPsycho]

I despise drivers who rush ahead and then expect to be let in with a smile. I too am an asshole and won't let you in.

[j-6]

And that's a problem how exactly?

Gas prices are high enough already without me causing 10,000 gallons worth to be destroyed.

[CosmicCowboy]

I hate those asswipes that jackrabbit by and run right up to the barricade and agressively try to force their way in. I am one of those that will move over and block you from going by and will not let you bluff your way in. Those pipe bumpers and grillguards aren't really for running over brush.

[Spurminator]

There's a difference between cutting in at the last minute and organized merging nearer to the point of the merge. There wouldn't be "cutting in" if the people in the merged lane weren't so stubborn about insisting that no one is getting in front of them because they already merged or because they're almost to the mandatory merge point, and maybe you wouldn't be so pissy about it if you didn't merge too early.

It's simple physics. If you put the same amount of sand in two hour glasses, and Hourglass #2 has a longer "tube" between the two bulbs, it will take the sand longer to get through that hourglass. When you already have to drive in one lane for a 10 mile contruction zone, why do you want to make it 11?

[Spurminator]

That is similar to waiting until an exit has passed you by and you instantly go three lanes over just to make your exit because you never read the signs say you exit is just ahead.

No, that would be the case if you decided to drive through the cones. It's not the same.

It's more like driving on the shoulder because your exit is a mile ahead.

[Mixability]

There's a difference between cutting in at the last minute and organized merging nearer to the point of the merge. There wouldn't be "cutting in" if the people in the merged lane weren't so stubborn about insisting that no one is getting in front of them because they already merged or because they're almost to the mandatory merge point, and maybe you wouldn't be so pissy about it if you didn't merge too early.

It's simple physics. If you put the same amount of sand in two hour glasses, and Hourglass #2 has a longer "tube" between the two bulbs, it will take the sand longer to get through the second one. When you already have to drive in one lane for a 10 mile contruction zone, why do you want to make it 11?

You consider the area right before the cones/barricades the "mandatory" merge point?

[Spurminator]

Well, if I'm not mistaken that's the point where you're breaking the law if you don't merge.

[Spurminator]

It's faster for everyone to try and merge at one point rather than having people merge whereever they can in the flow of traffic? That doesn't make any sense.


I don't see why the flow of traffic should be any different 200 feet from the cones than it is 1 mile from the cones.


Look, I'm not talking about driving right up on the cones here... Obviously there are exceptions, but most of the time the people who are stopping at the cones and slowing down traffic are doing so because people wouldn't let them in.

[Mixability]

Well, if I'm not mistaken that's the point where you're breaking the law if you don't merge.

No, what I meant is: Do you think everyone should merge right before the cones to keep everything in order instead of everyone merging before when it's safe to do so?

[ashbeeigh]

Fucking De Zavala when it does down to one lane at the Valero. That's the devil. I'll kill you if you try to get passed me at the Post Office light.

[Mixability]

I don't see why the flow of traffic should be any different 200 feet from the cones than it is 1 mile from the cones.

When I see on the highway signs that a lane is going to be closed miles ahead, I already make my way to the lane that will be open. Why would I wait until the last minute? I'm sure construction workers/police officers would appreciate earlier merging, since they won't have to look out for late mergers who come close to clipping them with their side mirrors.

[Spurminator]

No, what I meant is: Do you think everyone should merge right before the cones to keep everything in order instead of everyone merging before when it's safe to do so?


I don't see any reason it can't be perfectly safe to merge 200 feet before the cones. The only time it's not is whenj people in the merged lane are on the bumper of the person in front of them so no one can get in front of them.

[Spurminator]

When I see on the highway signs that a lane is going to be closed miles ahead, I already make my way to the lane that will be open. Why would I wait until the last minute? I'm sure construction workers/police officers would appreciate earlier merging, since they won't have to look out for late mergers who come close to clipping them with their side mirrors.


That's fine, all I'm saying is don't be a dick when someone passes you in the lane that's ending in a mile.

[Mixability]

I don't see any reason it can't be perfectly safe to merge 200 feet before the cones. The only time it's not is whenj people in the merged lane are on the bumper of the person in front of them so no one can get in front of them.

If you're in the other lane, the people in the merged lane will always see you as the jerk who's trying to "cut in line". And the reason that is, is because there's usually fewer people in that lane so you shoot past everyone. And you want to guess why there's fewer people in that lane? Because the rest of us merged earlier like you're supposed to! :lol

[j-6]

There's a difference between cutting in at the last minute and organized merging nearer to the point of the merge. There wouldn't be "cutting in" if the people in the merged lane weren't so stubborn about insisting that no one is getting in front of them because they already merged or because they're almost to the mandatory merge point, and maybe you wouldn't be so pissy about it if you didn't merge too early.

That's an interesting perspective, but if everyone did what you consider 'organized merging', wouldn't the bottleneck then be over two lanes? The lane that's ending where speed is decreasing (3) plus the one everyone's trying to get to that existing traffic is yielding to (2)?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/jalbre6/map.jpg

Forgive me if I'm overcomplicating this, but I think there's some validity to what you're talking about and we're all dismissing you as an asshole driver.

[Spurminator]

Hey there doesn't have to be fewer people.... If you want to merge so early because you feel safer, more power to you. But you don't have to and neither do I.

I'm always able to merge with the flow of traffic after most people have merged. Saves me a few minutes sometimes and it would be that way for everyone if people stopped voluntarily extending construction zones one or two miles.

[Spurminator]

That's an interesting perspective, but if everyone did what you consider 'organized merging', wouldn't the bottleneck then be over two lanes? The lane that's ending where speed is decreasing (3) plus the one everyone's trying to get to that existing traffic is yielding to (2)?


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Forgive me if I'm overcomplicating this, but I think there's some validity to what you're talking about and we're all dismissing you as an asshole driver.


I don't think you're overcomplicating it, but consider that you are going to slow down when you merge regardless. Because even if you merge early there will need to be space created between you and the cars in front and behind you.

Lane 3 does typically slow down closer to the cones, but that's just as much because of traffic in lane 2 riding up on the car in front of them as it is Lane 3 waiting until the last minute. All you have to do is just apply the "every other car rule" same as you usually do. And even if you've already let someone in half a mile back, you let other cars merge in front of you if they've made their way up.

Your scenario would still occur whether the cones are 200 ft or 2000 ft away, to some extent.

[Mixability]

With drivers these days, there's no way organization will ever be achieved.

[Spurminator]

With drivers these days, there's no way organization will ever be achieved.


No doubt. Just a rant.

[Mixability]

No doubt. Just a rant.

I understand your desire for people to be considerate. It could work, but not with jerks and idiots on the road these days. When I drive, I assume everyone else on the road is an idiot.

I've seen people pull out of driveways without looking both ways, drivers in a turn lane go straight just to make time, etc. I'll slow hesitate at some intersections even though I don't have a stop sign, just because of some of the idiots they give licenses to nowadays. Doesn't NorCal even have a license now? Think about that for a second, when you think you don't need a seatbelt. :lol

[j-6]

Danyo mentions being considerate. Aren't you being inconsiderate by flying to the cones and expecting someone who just saw you speed by their car - in a lane that everyone on the road knows that's ending - to let you in?

Hell, we've all done it. I've just never really heard someone justify cutting in queue and being pissed at all of the other people waiting patiently.

[Spurminator]

Eh, I don't really know that it's a considerate/inconsiderate issue.

I know that people don't like being passed, but it's an emotional response. Logically, it's better for everyone if all traffic merges in the same area, close to the cones.

But like Danyo said, it will never happen. There will be assholes who drive wrecklessly and screech to a halt at the cones because they were trying to get past that ONE LAST CAR, and there will be assholes who don't let anyone in front of them after a certain arbitrary point, and there will be assholes like me bitching about it for no reason.

[Das Texan]

I get on people's bumpers in the lane that traffic is merging in from about 500 feet on in because I'm an asshole and I"m not letting the assholes that cant merge for the 3/4 mile up to that point into the lane in an efficent manner.

As far as I'm concerned, you have plenty of time to get into the merge lane when they give you a mile warning.

If you want to wait til the last minute, then you get what you ask for.

[cherylsteele]

No, that would be the case if you decided to drive through the cones. It's not the same.

It's more like driving on the shoulder because your exit is a mile ahead.
No,....because it is an actual lane that is ending WITH NOTICE, as is an exit. You plan ahead you wouldn't have to barge.

You drive through the cones is like driving on the shoulder, cones are a temporary lane marker.

If you cause an accident doing this....you will be cited, plus the fine would be doubled in a construction zone.

[Spurminator]

As far as I'm concerned, you have plenty of time to get into the merge lane when they give you a mile warning.


I agree, it's plenty of time. Which why it baffles me that people are in such a hurry to merge, and so indignant towards people who don't think it's necessary to merge yet.

[Das Texan]

I agree, it's plenty of time. Which why it baffles me that people are in such a hurry to merge, and so indignant towards people who don't think it's necessary to merge yet.

Because a hell of a lot of people wait until the cones ending the lane are right in front of them to move.

[Spurminator]

Because a hell of a lot of people wait until the cones ending the lane are right in front of them to move.

Not the ones who are trying to merge in front of you 400 feet from the cones. What's your beef with them?

[cherylsteele]

Not the ones who are trying to merge in front of you 400 feet from the cones. What's your beef with them?
That is not what you implied in your original posting.

[Spurminator]

I know, but Das Texan has a 500 foot cut-off. I'm wondering why 500 feet is the magic number?

[cherylsteele]

I know, but Das Texan has a 500 foot cut-off. I'm wondering why 500 feet is the magic number?
If someone has a their signal on and seems to be having difficulty merging and doesn't seem to be barging by waiting at the last minute I will let them in. I usually try to let only one at a time because if you let more then one in then you open the flood gates.

[Das Texan]

I know, but Das Texan has a 500 foot cut-off. I'm wondering why 500 feet is the magic number?


random.


and even still i'll let people in the merged lane, unless there is no signal, then its definitely not happening.

[CosmicCowboy]

I will almost always let big trucks in, but I have to admit I'm selective about others I let in. It really helps to be female, hot, and have a nice smile.

[MannyIsGod]

Because a hell of a lot of people wait until the cones ending the lane are right in front of them to move.Andthe problem with this is?

[cherylsteele]

Andthe problem with this is?
One word....bottleneck

[MannyIsGod]

One word....bottleneckYou're going to have that anyway. Do the cars that merge early go to some fantasy road in the sky with a lane for everyone?

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

You're going to have that anyway. Do the cars that merge early go to some fantasy road in the sky with a lane for everyone?

I would expect this from you. :rolleyes

[CharlieMac]

That's fine, all I'm saying is don't be a dick when someone passes you in the lane that's ending in a mile.


If that's all you are saying then thats cool.

The signage posted 2-3 miles ahead of the merger is there for a reason. 20 people have said why in this thread already, so it doesn't need to be repeated.

However, I will gladly cut off some dick I see in my rearview hauling ass in that lane because he thinks that lane is for him to do 85 in and force his way in at the absolute last second.

But I do see your point. There are people who try to merge in well before the lane ends and there is always some asshole who won't let him just to be an ass. That just creates more traffic than neccassary.

[exstatic]

Why is it that any time you have construction on the highway, people feel inclined to merge into one lane a mile before the lane is blocked off? More importantly, why is it that when people merge early, they feel that the cars behind them should be obligated to merge when they do? Countless times I've seen some asshole pull out of the merged lane to block people from passing by, which they have every right to do as long as the lane is still open.

What authority do they have to decide when it's appropriate to merge, especially when there are cones and arrows conveniently placed on the road for this purpose??

When traffic merges early, it adds to traffic buildup. It causes traffic to move more slowly through the construction. Furthermore, it adds an element of danger when people merge (and unmerge) based on their own whims. It's faster and safer to wait until you've reached the point where you are instructed to merge.
Actually, what slows the traffic is the asshat pulling the last minute merge. I have a shitty, paintpeeling 94 Grand Cherokee, and won't let you in, at the cost of paint, a fender, or the entire front clip, if necessary. You see the need for a merge, so what you're really saying is "my time is more important than yours, so I'll run up and cut in", in which case I say "Fuck you, bitch". However, if you stop, put on your blinker, and block the ending lane to a stop or a slow crawl, you're in like Flynn.

[Shelly]

I will almost always let big trucks in, but I have to admit I'm selective about others I let in. It really helps to be female, hot, and have a nice smile.

Thanks for letting me in, CC :)


:lol

[whottt]

So Spuminator is one of those aholes that feels entitled to cut in front of the dutiful megers?


What I hate is the mergers who merge from behind you and won't let you over to merge.


Merging is a fine art and far too many Americans(and especially Dallasites) don't get it...

[Spurfect]

you call the point at where the cones start closing in "organized merging"?
no, that's just the last possible distance you have left before you HAVE to merge.
people that drive up past everyone that is already merged and expect to be let in at the very front is what slows everything down. and once someone does it, some other idiots think they should do it too so those cars "waiting" to merge pile up, thus making it even slower because some of the people that actually merged in time don't let them through.
I'm not saying you have to merge WAAAY early on, if there are openings up a little bit farther up then by all means go up in there. but don't wait until you're actually at the very front and you have to wait to cut your way in.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

If you haul ass to the front of the line to cut in front everybody, I'm the guy that won't let you in.

Me too. :devil

Line cutting of any kind is the most anti-social of behaviour. Respect for lines is the last bastion that separates social society from chaos. Cutting a line says "fuck you" to everyone you cut. It is the most basic disrespect of strangers. If you believe in civilisation, you have to believe in the sanctity of lines.

If I ever end up on death row it will be for killing a line cutter. :oops

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

you call the point at where the cones start closing in "organized merging"?
no, that's just the last possible distance you have left before you HAVE to merge.
people that drive up past everyone that is already merged and expect to be let in at the very front is what slows everything down. and once someone does it, some other idiots think they should do it too so those cars "waiting" to merge pile up, thus making it even slower because some of the people that actually merged in time don't let them through.
I'm not saying you have to merge WAAAY early on, if there are openings up a little bit farther up then by all means go up in there. but don't wait until you're actually at the very front and you have to wait to cut your way in.

Indeed.

If the Spurs make the Finals and I come back to town in June, would you like to have a drink? ;)

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Spurminator, you suck big hairy balls.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

No but really who in the hell taught you how to drive?

[Spurminator]

:lol

If you guys want to merge a mile before the cones and wait an extra 5 minutes to get to the cones, go for it. Traffic slows down when you have two lanes worth of traffic driving in one lane. You guys are WAY overstating the amount of people who end up stopped at the cones hoping to pull in. The "flow of traffic" before the merge is usually 5-10 mph, so it's not that difficult to merge closer to the cones. If an even amount of traffic would utilize all open lanes as long as possible, and not let being passed affect their pride so damn much, traffic would get through faster.

[Spurminator]

Me too. :devil

Line cutting of any kind is the most anti-social of behaviour. Respect for lines is the last bastion that separates social society from chaos. Cutting a line says "fuck you" to everyone you cut. It is the most basic disrespect of strangers. If you believe in civilisation, you have to believe in the sanctity of lines.

If I ever end up on death row it will be for killing a line cutter. :oops


It's not line cutting if you haven't reached the point where the line is supposed to form.

Do you get mad at an amusement park if you're approaching the line for a roller coaster and another group of people passes you and reaches the line first?

[Spurminator]

So Spuminator is one of those aholes that feels entitled to cut in front of the dutiful megers?

I feel entitled to drive on open lanes.

[Spurminator]

I don't know how many times I've approached a merge where you have cars basically at a standstill for two miles back, and they all have an open lane to the side of them. If I'm driving towards a line of stopped cars in one lane, why should I stop behind them?

[MannyIsGod]

:lol

If you guys want to merge a mile before the cones and wait an extra 5 minutes to get to the cones, go for it. Traffic slows down when you have two lanes worth of traffic driving in one lane. You guys are WAY overstating the amount of people who end up stopped at the cones hoping to pull in. The "flow of traffic" before the merge is usually 5-10 mph, so it's not that difficult to merge closer to the cones. If an even amount of traffic would utilize all open lanes as long as possible, and not let being passed affect their pride so damn much, traffic would get through faster.Exactly.

[AlamoSpursFan]

If you see a big Frito truck in both lanes preventing idiots like Spurminator from running up to the front and cutting in, honk and wave because it's probably ME! :lol

I merge as soon as possible and use my big ass truck to block the lane as soon as possible. Funny how the line all of a sudden starts moving when I do so.

And if I am feeling benevolent and decide to let a moron in front of me, I'm only letting ONE moron. I hate it when you try to merge correctly by letting one car in and the 5 dipshits behind that one car think they have the green light too.

[Flea]

I feel entitled to drive on open lanes.


My husband would so agree with you. He says it is open and that means people can drive on it. He doesn't wait til the very last minute but he will drive on it for awhile before merging. For those of you familiar with Blanco road north of 1604 he is one of the ones on the right hand lane passing everyone. You have my persmission not to let him in. :lol

[cherylsteele]

It is not the mile that I am talking about.......it is waiting until about 10 feet to do what you were warned about 1-2 miles before.

When I see a lane ending sign I at least start thinking ahead so I don't get caught at the last minute.

[whottt]

I feel entitled to drive on open lanes.


And then after doing that, you feel entitled to cut in front of the dutiful mergers...

[Spurminator]

It's not cutting if you're not in line yet. I have no obligation to abide by your arbitrary merging.

[leemajors]

i have a sneaking suspicion he's listening to van haggar while cruising to the front of the line to cut. prick.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

If you see a big Frito truck in both lanes preventing idiots like Spurminator from running up to the front and cutting in, honk and wave because it's probably ME! :lol

I merge as soon as possible and use my big ass truck to block the lane as soon as possible. Funny how the line all of a sudden starts moving when I do so.

And if I am feeling benevolent and decide to let a moron in front of me, I'm only letting ONE moron. I hate it when you try to merge correctly by letting one car in and the 5 dipshits behind that one car think they have the green light too.


Ain't it great to shut that lane down? If you see traffic getting lighter, it's usually because a trucker is in the merge lane. And if you're the guy behind and to his right, pace him.

Problem solved.

[Spurminator]

i have a sneaking suspicion he's listening to van haggar while cruising to the front of the line to cut. prick.

Worse, Van Cherone.


"There's a Fiiiiyaaaa in the hole...."

[Spurminator]

Ain't it great to shut that lane down? If you see traffic getting lighter, it's usually because a trucker is in the merge lane. And if you're the guy behind and to his right, pace him.

Problem solved.


This isn't the same thing, but one time I was on the loop in Houston and it was at a standstill. Some people were driving by on the shoulder so finally a truck pulls out to block people from getting past. A few cars line up behind him, then an ambulance drives up behind them. It took a long ass time for everybody to merge back onto the driving lane to let the ambulance by.

Just something to think about when you're being the hero.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Why not think about that when trying to merge in the last 50 feet? Wouldn't that also apply? Why not just keep that lane clear in case an ambulance comes by?

Just something to think about when you're being the impatient driver.

[Spurminator]

Because there's usually a shoulder. No need to keep a whole lane open.

[spurastic]

I absolutely hate drivers that run up the closing lane to get ahead and then bog down everyone else while cutting in. No consideration. You bog down the traffic because of all the cars merging at the last moment. The traffic always flows smoother once the lane is merged --if you took the time to notice. Thanks to truck drivers that feel like they have to help direct the idiots that have no common sense or courtesy.

[Mixability]

http://www.cotrip.org/cotrip_quarterly/current/editorial.htm

"A recent study in Minnesota underlined the usefulness of ramp metering. After removing the meters from some portions of Minneapolis highways for a test, the cry for their return was loud and long. Another study from the Land of 10,000 Lakes showed that “polite” drivers actually made some traffic jams worse because of early merging. Many drivers were moving out of the lane that was closed ahead too early, thus making the back-ups actually longer and wasting open highway lanes that could accommodate more vehicles in a smaller space. Signs that instructed drivers to “MAINTAIN YOUR LANE UNTIL THE MERGE POINT,” made getting through cone zones more efficient. If I had my way, you’d be seeing those signs in Colorado construction zones soon."

[Mixability]

Not that idiot drivers will obey the signs and lights, but this looks like a good system:

Smart Lane Merge (http://cotrip.org/its/ITS%20Guidelines%20Web%20New%20Format%202-05/Web%20Solutions%20Packages/ITS%20Solution%20Packages%20-%20Web%20Copy/Work%20Zone%20Safety/SMART%20Lane%20Merge.pdf)

[Spurminator]

http://www.cotrip.org/cotrip_quarterly/current/editorial.htm

"A recent study in Minnesota underlined the usefulness of ramp metering. After removing the meters from some portions of Minneapolis highways for a test, the cry for their return was loud and long. Another study from the Land of 10,000 Lakes showed that “polite” drivers actually made some traffic jams worse because of early merging. Many drivers were moving out of the lane that was closed ahead too early, thus making the back-ups actually longer and wasting open highway lanes that could accommodate more vehicles in a smaller space. Signs that instructed drivers to “MAINTAIN YOUR LANE UNTIL THE MERGE POINT,” made getting through cone zones more efficient. If I had my way, you’d be seeing those signs in Colorado construction zones soon."


Oh SNAP!!

[leemajors]

Worse, Van Cherone.


"There's a Fiiiiyaaaa in the hole...."

hahahahaha. i almost got dr pepper on my shirt there.

[Mixability]

On 281 and Florida, going south, about a month ago, there was an 18 wheeler that literally snapped in half on the highway. 4 lanes had to merge into 1, I can see why people would merge early then, especially the people furthest away from the open lane. In regular construction, taking turns at the cones, would make the congestion shorter in size. We'd hear less of "Damn, I-35 was backed up from downtown all the way to the Splashtown".

[Spurminator]

Oh I definitely agree multiple lanes merging is a different story.

[TheSanityAnnex]

http://www.cotrip.org/cotrip_quarterly/current/editorial.htm

"A recent study in Minnesota underlined the usefulness of ramp metering. After removing the meters from some portions of Minneapolis highways for a test, the cry for their return was loud and long. Another study from the Land of 10,000 Lakes showed that “polite” drivers actually made some traffic jams worse because of early merging. Many drivers were moving out of the lane that was closed ahead too early, thus making the back-ups actually longer and wasting open highway lanes that could accommodate more vehicles in a smaller space. Signs that instructed drivers to “MAINTAIN YOUR LANE UNTIL THE MERGE POINT,” made getting through cone zones more efficient. If I had my way, you’d be seeing those signs in Colorado construction zones soon."



PWNED!!!

[Trainwreck2100]

I'm one of those that doesn't let then in when the lane closes. You had your shot three miles ago, enjoy the wait bitch

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Roundabouts are worse than merging. Most drivers just can't seem to grasp the concept.

[Richard Cranium]

I don't let late mergers in.

[Spurminator]

More, because it feels so good to be right.

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/workshops/originals/McCoy%20paper.doc


LATE MERGE

The Late Merge is opposite of the Early Merge in that it is designed to encourage drivers to use either the open or closed lane until they reach the merge point at the lane closure taper rather than merging as soon as possible into the open lane. One example of the Late Merge is the system developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This system was implemented as a means to reduce the road rage engendered between drivers who merge into the open lane early and those who remain in the closed lane and merge into the open lane near the front of the queue at the last minute. Approximately 1.5 miles in advance of the lane closure, USE BOTH LANES TO MERGE POINT signs are placed on both sides of the roadway. These signs are followed by conventional ROAD WORK AHEAD and advance lane closed signs. Finally, MERGE HERE TAKE YOUR TURN signs are placed on both sides of the roadway near the beginning of the taper.

The primary intent of the Late Merge developed by the PennDOT is to reduce the road rage between early and late mergers by informing drivers that it is permissible for traffic to travel in both lanes to the merge point. Although it is not standard practice, the Late Merge is used regularly at work zones on freeways by one PennDOT district office. No problems have been reported with its use, and it seems to be well received by drivers. A study of its operational effects found that it increased the capacity of the merging operations by as much as 15 percent (footnote 5).

Since the Late Merge seems to address many of the problems experienced with the conventional merge during congestion, the UNL also conducted field studies (footnote 1) to compare the safety and operational effects of the PennDOT Late Merge and the conventional merge. The results of these studies revealed that the conflict rates are substantially lower with the Late Merge. At higher densities, about 75 percent fewer forced merges and 30 percent fewer lane straddles were observed for the Late Merge; and, at densities below 25 vpm, no conflicts were observed for the Late Merge, whereas conflicts were observed for the conventional merge. The studies also found the capacity of the Late Merge to be nearly 20 percent higher than that of the conventional merge.

Conceptually the Late Merge addresses many of the problems that are associated with traffic operations in advance of lane closures at work zones on rural freeways, especially during periods of congestion. In particular, the lengths of the queues that form as a result of congestion are reduced by about 50 percent, because the queued vehicles are stored in two lanes instead of only one. The shorter queue lengths reduce the likelihood of them extending back beyond the work zone’s advance warning signs and surprising approaching drivers, which in turn reduces the potential of rear-end accidents. In addition, driver experience less anxiety about knowing which lane is closed, because either lane can be used to reach the merge point. The availability of both lanes also reduces the frustration levels of drivers. Drivers in the open lane are less likely to be irritated by others passing by them in the closed lane, because this maneuver is permissible with the Late Merge. Drivers are able to select the lane with the shortest queue and not be concerned about others blocking their path to the merge point.



It goes on to discuss how this is best suited for high-density traffic scenarios, but there is potential danger during lower traffic times when people are driving at higher speeds. Obviously, you should use your judgment. If both lanes are going at a relatively good speed, there's no need to wait until the "last minute."

[whottt]

http://www.collectorsconnection.com/imagesh/38a153.jpg

[Spurminator]

http://www.automoblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/old_driver.gif

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

:lol

This thread cracks me up because my wife and I have an open debate on this every time we travel westbound on I-40 here in ABQ. There's a lane closure for an overpass rebuild that everyone has known about for weeks. I'm a believer in the early merger and get over a couple of miles before the lane closure. My wife runs down that merged lane until the "mandatory merging point" and then slides over.

I think if people are traveling at the same speed in all the lanes and allowing people to merge over at the merging point, then it works. In our one-horse town, however, people haul ass down the merging lane and then folks get frustrated and don't let them in which causes traffic to basically stop at the merging point.

Bottom-line is that people don't know how to drive, and any change in the roadway creates utter chaos.

[CuckingFunt]

Roundabouts are worse than merging. Most drivers just can't seem to grasp the concept.People in my city can't even grasp the concept of 4-way stops, and they've started putting in roundabouts. Enough to make me want to kill someone.

[Shelly]

What's a roundabout?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

http://www.camrose.com/engineer/roundabouts/graphics/roundabout.gif

[THE SIXTH MAN]

What's a roundabout?
They have roundabouts at the shops at la cantera. Like the above picture^

[Spurminator]

They have roundabouts up here in Addison too (mostly in shopping/restaurant areas). With how many people just turn left or right at the roundabout, I'm surprised there aren't more accidents. And I don't blame people, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.

[Shelly]

They have roundabouts at the shops at la cantera. Like the above picture^

And I've used that many times! I didn't know there was a name for it.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol

Spurminator was just vindicated like a motherfucker. Where are all the people who were posting things in the early in this thread? Come have some crow.

[Mixability]

:lol

Spurminator was just vindicated like a motherfucker. Where are all the people who were posting things in the early in this thread? Come have some crow.

My guess is they're stuck in traffic.

[leemajors]

what, no yes jokes?