Clearer lines, more signs: A few ways NCDOT is looking at improving work zone safety
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Transportation officials are in the process of considering changes that could make work zones safer in North Carolina.
The NC Department of Transportation is working with transportation researchers at NC State University to evaluate what’s called its “zipper merge technology” that’s already being used on interstates in rural parts of the state.
It warns drivers miles in advance whenever two lanes will narrow down to one and guides them when to switch lanes. NCDOT wants to see if it’s something that could work in metro areas like the Triangle.
The department is also piloting new methods to better remove old lane markings whenever they switch lanes during road work. Traffic control engineer Zachary Clark told CBS 17 he’s heard from drivers how confusing it can be when the old markings are not well-removed.
“The better that we can remove those lines so that it’s very clear these are the lane lines, these are the lane designations,” Clark said.
Janna Swartz says she’s always on the road for work and hates driving through work zones. She said she’s glad to hear the department is working to make it easier for drivers to tell which lane they’re in.
“It’s confusing when they make sudden changes and there’s not concrete guidance,” Swartz said.
The NCDOT told CBS 17 the zipper merge research findings will come out at the end of this year or in early 2025.
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