Specific Work Zone Warning Signs

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Identify and understand the specific meanings of common orange warning signs found in construction zones.

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Specific Work Zone Warning Signs

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A diamond-shaped orange warning sign reading ROAD WORK AHEAD in black text, serving as the advance notice that a highway construction or maintenance work zone is approaching.
What does the "Road Work Ahead" sign indicate?
It is the first warning that you are approaching a work zone. You should slow down and increase your vigilance for upcoming changes.
A diamond-shaped orange work zone warning sign displaying a black silhouette of a person extending a flag, indicating a flagger ahead controlling traffic.
What does the 'Flagger Ahead' sign indicate?
This is a "Flagger Ahead" sign. It warns that a person (a flagger) is ahead controlling traffic, and you must be prepared to stop and follow their directions.
Diamond-shaped orange work zone warning sign displaying a black silhouette of a dump truck, warning drivers of construction vehicles entering or crossing the roadway.
What does a work zone sign depicting a dump truck warn drivers about?
Heavy construction vehicles may be entering or crossing the roadway. Be prepared to slow down or stop for them, as they are slow-moving and may have large blind spots.
Diamond-shaped orange work zone sign reading UNEVEN PAVEMENT above a graphic of a car tilted sideways on a stepped road surface, warning drivers of varying lane elevations ahead.
What hazard does the "Uneven Pavement" sign warn about?
The road surface ahead is uneven where pavement has been milled or new pavement is being laid. Slow down to maintain vehicle control.
A rectangular orange temporary traffic control sign displays the word DETOUR in black capital letters above a black arrow pointing to the right.
What does a "Detour" sign indicate?
It signifies that the road ahead is closed and you must follow a temporary, alternative route to reach your destination.
A diamond-shaped orange work zone warning sign reading "ROAD MACHINERY AHEAD" in black text, indicating that slow-moving heavy construction equipment is operating nearby.
What does the "Road Machinery Ahead" sign warn you about?
Large, slow-moving heavy equipment is being operated in or near the roadway. Maintain a safe distance and be prepared for sudden movements.
An orange diamond-shaped road work warning sign displaying the text LOOSE GRAVEL, signaling reduced vehicle traction and hazard of flying stones ahead.
What should you do when you see a "Fresh Oil" or "Loose Gravel" sign?
Slow down and increase your following distance. These surfaces reduce traction, increase stopping distance, and can cause loose material to be thrown by tires.
Two diamond-shaped orange work zone warning signs reading "SHOULDER WORK" and "RIGHT SHOULDER CLOSED," alerting drivers to construction activity or closures on the road shoulder.
What does the "Shoulder Work" or "Right/Left Shoulder Closed" sign mean?
It indicates that the shoulder of the road is closed and may have workers or equipment present. Do not drive on the shoulder.
Orange diamond-shaped work zone warning sign with the text ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD, alerting drivers that traffic from both directions must alternate using a single open lane.
What action is required for a "One Lane Road Ahead" sign in a work zone?
The road narrows to a single lane for traffic in both directions. You must prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic or as directed by signs or flaggers.
A rectangular orange work zone traffic sign with black text reading "END ROAD WORK," marking the end of a construction zone.
What does the "End Road Work" sign signify?
You have left the work zone. You may resume the normal posted speed limit and normal driving, unless other signs instruct otherwise.
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