China Uses ‘Zipper Merge’ To Keep Cars Moving One Lane After Another—Could Lagos Adopt It?

A traffic management system called the “zipper merge”, used on Chinese roads during peak hours to reduce traffic jams and keep traffic moving smoothly, has sparked an interesting question: could the same “zipper merge” technique help reduce congestion on busy roads in Lagos?

As seen in a viral video watched by Autojosh, traffic cones guide Chinese motorists from two or more lanes towards a specific merging point. Instead of one lane stopping while the other moves, drivers in both lanes continue forward and take turns entering the available lane.

The idea is very simple. One vehicle from the left lane merges, followed by one from the right, creating a predictable pattern similar to the teeth of a zipper. This allows both lanes to be used for longer and prevents motorists from merging too early.

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A similar approach could work in Lagos, particularly around road construction zones, accident scenes and temporary lane closures, although its success would depend heavily on enforcement and motorists following the rules.

Lagos already has a dedicated traffic management agency, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), whose work includes improving traffic flow and reducing delays on the state’s roads.

So, the major challenge of implementing this Chinese-style system would be driver discipline, as Lagos traffic often involves motorists changing lanes aggressively, blocking intersections, driving against traffic and attempting to gain an advantage over other road users.

While the zipper merge is not a magic solution to Lagos traffic, it could become another useful traffic-management tool. If motorists are properly educated and enforcement is consistent, allowing vehicles to merge alternately could make temporary lane reductions more orderly and keep traffic moving.

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