The Massive New Machine Used On Interstate 94

If you commute on Interstate 94, than you probably know about MnDOT's "movable barrier" technique to help reduce congestion and delays during road work between Saint Paul and Maplewood. The moveable barrier adds a lane when and where it’s most needed to keep traffic moving during peak traveling hours.

During the morning rush hour, the highway expands to include more westbound lanes. During the evening hours, that space is given back to the eastbound lanes. The switch occurs at noon.

How is this accomplished all in a single day? By use of a new machine called the "Road Zipper." The machine moves 1,500-pound barrier blocks like dominoes, placing them in their new location in a tidy line.

MnDOT has only used the Road Zipper twice before, the Pioneer Press reported. Here's why it's being used on I-94:

Watch below as a similar Road Zipper machine is used on the Golden Gate Bridge in California:

Image via YouTube