Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, has reportedly started using zipper truck in order to ease traffic congestion by changing traffic lanes during rush hours.
The truck can move the median barrier on the Lyuyou Road while traveling at 8 kilometers per hour, as reported by China Daily.
"The additional lane is most helpful during evening rush hours," said Wang Wenhu, head of infrastructure construction for the Jinan traffic police. "Now that we have our own zipper, the traffic congestion is much reduced."
"The Jinan traffic police will assess the effectiveness of the zipper truck, and if it passes, there will be zipper lanes on more major roads," he added.
The public has reportedly approved of this idea and is now experiencing more ease when it comes to the traffic.
"Traffic is usually heavy in one direction and light in the other during rush hours. The zipper trucks on the Golden Gate Bridge made us green with envy," Zhang Weimin, a driver in Jinan told the Chinese media outlet.
Many cities in China experience traffic congestion as the numbers of cars has grown significantly as reported by China Daily. The said relocation of the traffic lanes during commute periods is no longer new but this has been an issue in the past as it requires manpower, which can be laborious and time-consuming. To recall, Wang Le, an official at Shenzhen traffic authority, said that workers needed hours per kilometer just to move the traffic barriers, adding that the zipper truck is a lot more easier and convenient for everybody.
"We must rely on technology and come up with new management methods," Wu Sikang, the director of development research for the city government said.
