"We'll have our lanes back:" Wisconsin DOT pulls the plug on I-94 'zipper merge'

“We`ll have our lanes back:” Wisconsin DOT pulls the plug on I-94 `zipper merge`

"We`ll have our lanes back:" Wisconsin DOT pulls the plug on I-94 `zipper merge`

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced all lanes on westbound I-94 leaving Milwaukee, will be open for business beginning Sunday, November 15th. This means the unique road sharing maneuver known as the "zipper merge" is no longer needed -- however, the detours are not over.

Zipper merge

The Zoo Interchange Project has certainly become a "driving experience." At times, road warriors like Gojkl Boslljcic may feel at odds with the nearly $2 billion endeavor.

"Especially if I'm in a semi, today I am in a straight truck but the first time I was in a semi and it was a little bit difficult," said Boslljcic.

Starting Sunday, the road weary are getting something back. The Wisconsin DOT is retiring the zipper merge and returning I-94 westbound to three lanes.

"We are doing a traffic switch and taking that zipper away. So Sunday morning, goodbye zipper -- we'll have our lanes back," said Ryan Luck, Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Zipper merge

Milwaukee's main east/west artery has been constricted by construction since December of 2014.

Zipper merge

Boslljcic drives it everyday.

"For us semi truck drivers, it's going to be great. I think it's going to be much better," said Boslljcic.

It's so long to the zipper merge, but that doesn't mean the end of work for the Zoo Interchange Project -- all of next week Monday, November 16th - Friday, November 20th will be overnight closings on I-94 westbound at 84th Street so crews can move dirt.