Construction and Work Zone Signs: Orange Means Change
Work zones change the rules temporarily, and the signs that mark them are predominantly orange. Orange diamonds warn of conditions created by work - flaggers, lane shifts, uneven pavement, or workers present. Orange rectangles give directions such as detour, lane closed, or reduced speed. Because work zones are temporary, the posted speed limit in a work zone may be lower than the permanent limit and is enforceable.
What to expect in a work zone
- Advance warning: orange signs placed well before the work area to give time to slow and merge.
- Flagger ahead: a symbol of a person holding a flag or paddle; obey the flagger's signals, which override signs and signals.
- Channeling devices: cones, drums, and barricades guide traffic; hitting them is a hazard and often a violation.
- Detour and lane-closure signs: follow the marked route; do not improvise through closed lanes.
- Temporary traffic signals and stop/slow paddles: treat as you would permanent signals.
Traps to watch for
The biggest trap is speed: a question may ask whether a work-zone speed limit is advisory or enforceable. Posted work-zone limits are enforceable, and fines are often doubled when workers are present. Another trap is the flagger - a flagger's direction outranks the sign or signal, so if a flagger waves you through a red light in a work zone, follow the flagger. Also, orange is for work zones; yellow is for permanent hazards.
Rule of thumb
Orange means "something is different here right now." Slow down, increase following distance, and obey flaggers and channeling devices above all else.
Worked example: An orange sign reads LANE CLOSED AHEAD, and a flagger holds a SLOW paddle. The correct action is to reduce speed, stay in the open lane, and follow the flagger's signal rather than the permanent lane markings.