http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrier_transfer_machine

Barrier transfer machines, also known as zipper machines, are heavy vehicles used to transfer concrete lane dividers, which are used to relieve traffic congestion during rush hours.

Linkage of moveable barriers[1]

The vehicle contains an S-shaped channel in its undercarriage which lifts the barrier segments (which may weigh over one thousand pounds (454 kg)) off the road surface and transfers them over to the other side of the lane, reallocating traffic lanes to accommodate increased traffic for the currently dominant (tidal) direction. These barriers are linked together with steel connectors to create a formidable but flexible safety barrier.

Moveable barriers are in permanent use in such cities as Auckland (Auckland Harbour Bridge); Montreal, Canada; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Boston, Massachusetts (for the Southeast Expressway); Washington, D.C.; Dallas, Texas; San Francisco (on the Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio Parkway); San Diego, California; and Sydney, Australia; many other cities use them temporarily during construction work.