Let's zipper merge!

Construction for the Uptown Roadway Improvements are complete which means we need to adopt a new method of merging two lanes into one to alleviate peak traffic congestion events in the Y area. The zipper merge allows drivers to fill up both lanes then take turns merging into the through lane, every other vehicle, like the teeth of a zipper. To highlight this zipper merge area, new signs and striping have been added to this area.

Each component of the Uptown Roadway Improvements contributes to reducing northbound congestion on SR 89A that often spills back to the Y.

Uptown Roadway Improvements project details include a designated left hand-turn lane with a permanent barrier onto Forest Road and two northbound lanes that will merge into one lane before the Forest Road stoplight to add more queuing capacity before the light, reducing backups into the Y (zipper merge zone!). The project includes a new Shared Use Path running parallel between L’Auberge Lane and Forest Road. Crews removed streetside parking along SR 89A between Forest Road and the Jordan Road Roundabout. They also adjusted traffic light timing, improved storm drainage, and added new retaining walls, signage, and landscaping. SR 89A Uptown northbound paving from the L'Auberge to Owensby roundabout will be completed early this summer.

Completed last year, this project included a new dedicated right hand turn lane at Amara Lane so that northbound SR 89A vehicles no longer need to stop for cars waiting for pedestrians in the crosswalk to clear to turn right.

To learn more, please read our short Zipper Merge FAQ.

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