Do you guys ever block traffic from a lane that is about to end?

That's not professional!

Firing up the barbecue is what seasoned professionals do.

 

You notice how a zipper merge works around big trucks? 5-6 cars push their way in front of the truck all at the same time while 5-6 more that are riding right next to the truck accelerate up and push their way in because the truck had to stop. Then while all that is going on 5-6 more that are behind the ones flanking you are cutting off everyone to get in behind you all at the same time. Because of that monkey see , monkey do mentality. No matter how you look at it You are in everyones way anyway , So the argument of someone hitting you because you are blocking is basically moot. You are in the middle of a #### roach infestation most of the time.

 

One night on 81 in a backup, left lane was closed, I was in the right lane just minding my own. Nobody in the left lane beside me until the merge point, which was only a couple hundred feet ahead. Here comes a truck flying up the left lane, gets to the merge, shoves his way in. Now, I had been creeping along in low gear at an idle, as was everyone in front of me. And I gotta tell you, I wanted to go up to the driver and bust his kneecaps. He didn't do anything wrong, but it's the thought of it all. Here I am, sitting in this mess for a while, doing what I'm supposed to do, and I get passed by someone who's not doing anything wrong either. But it still irritates a person. Even if it is perfectly fine.
I think that's the big problem with the zipper merge idea. Yeah, it does work. But it still has a way of bringing out the worst of humanity. That's where not caring helps I guess

To add: I used to think Penndot was a sick bunch of hillbillies that had no business trying to do roadwork. They put up a random sign that says 'Lanes Blocked Ahead', they don't tell you where, or what lane is blocked. But as @Long FLD pointed out, it then forces people to do the zipper merge. And it does actually work when they do that

 

I had an epiphany once. I was on Oak Street. This red car was in the left lane, which was closed on Oak Street. A green car in front of the red car was in the right lane, and wanted to turn left on Acorn Street. The red car merged in behind the green car and didn't react to the green car turning left on to Acorn Street, and hit him.
Through all of this, I realized I can't see what's directly in front of my hood. What if the red car had suddenly stopped in front of me and I hit him? I realized there's a space of about 10 feet that I can't see! What would you do?

I'd like to draw a picture but don't have time

 

I creep and don't GAF how many cut in front. I'm not sweating stupid BS or risking bumping into somebody. If you're up on the wheel gnashing your teeth and not letting anybody in come hell or high water, that ain't good for your blood pressure, relax, take it easy, don't worry about it.

 

No don't do it... traffic flows much better when both lanes are being utilized

 

For those who say blocking the lane is okay - How far back is it acceptable to start blocking the lane?

1/2 mile, mile, 5 miles?

 

Zipper Merge = I'll pass everyone in the closing lane & call what I did "efficient". "The fact I got in front of everyone is just a coincidence & the universe wants me to have life easier than you losers in the other lane."

 

Winner.
Stay in the lane you’re in and just ride it out.

 

I like to listen to the CB during those merges. "I guess nobody can read a sign..!" lol