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Minutes for SB333 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Requiring the secretary of transportation to study the use of zipper merges on highways.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 27, 2022
The Chairperson opened the hearing on SB 333 and requested Staff Adam Seibers give a briefing on the bill (Attachment 1).
Mr. Seibers said the bill will require a study by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation concerning the use of zipper merges on highways in an attempt to determine optimal placement and usage on highways. A written report must be submitted to both the House and Senate Transportation Committees by March 1, 2023.
Senator Tom Hawk spoke as a proponent of SB 333. He indicated the outcome of a study could help improve the efficiency of driving when there is traffic congestion. He acknowledged the Kansas Department of Transportation's previous use of zipper merging in some congested construction locations, and he referenced similar laws in other states. Commenting further, Senator Hawk alluded to the current increase of road rage and suggested that the bill might alleviate such displays (Attachment 2). Responding to a question, he replied that the bill only requests a study; it does not mandate the procedure.
Dr. Betty Stevens, a resident of Manhattan, recounted a personal experience of the use of "zipper" signage while traveling out of state, an event which alerted her to a tool that could enhance the smooth flow of high-speed traffic (Attachment 3).
Burt Morley, an engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), having a neutral position regarding the bill, provided contextual information for the use of zipper merges (Attachment 4). He referenced criteria for the use of this traffic tool, noted KDOT's use of a zipper merge in 2016, and commented that the success of zipper merge will depend on educating drivers to willingly adapt to the procedure. Answering questions, Mr. Morley replied that KDOT does not need statutory authority to initiate a zipper merge pattern; the tool is not needed presently, but is available.
The Chair closed the hearing on SB 333.
