Road Conditions

Zipper Merge Now In Place On OR 42 Between Winston And Roseburg

A new zipper merge is now in place on eastbound Oregon 42 near the Interstate 5 bridge. Drivers traveling from Winston toward Roseburg should use both lanes until the merge point and then take turns entering the single lane.

A new zipper merge is now in place for drivers traveling east on Oregon 42 from Winston toward Roseburg.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said new signs and pavement markings are directing drivers to take turns merging near the bridge over Interstate 5, where two eastbound lanes narrow to one.

Drivers are encouraged to use both lanes until reaching the merge point and then alternate, similar to the teeth of a zipper. ODOT said using the full length of both lanes can reduce backups, keep traffic moving, and allow more vehicles to pass through the merge point in less time.

ODOT offered several tips for drivers adjusting to the new traffic pattern:

Stay in either lane until reaching the merge point.
Use a turn signal when approaching the white arrows painted on the pavement.
Leave enough space between vehicles for other drivers to merge.
Do not block vehicles attempting to merge from the other lane.
Be patient while other drivers become familiar with the new pattern.

The zipper merge is part of a larger project that has resurfaced a five-mile section of Oregon 42 between Winston and Interstate 5. The project also includes signal, safety, and accessibility improvements.