Work Zone and Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Work zones use temporary traffic control to move drivers safely past construction, maintenance, or incident scenes. Orange is the signature color for warning and guidance in work zones, and signs are often mounted on portable supports. You will see advance warning signs, lane-closure and lane-shift signs, flaggers, channelizing devices such as cones and drums, and temporary pavement markings that may override permanent ones.
Key concepts: reduced speed limits in work zones, which are enforceable when posted; flagger instructions, which carry the force of law and must be obeyed; and temporary signals or one-lane alternating traffic. Arizona questions often test whether you know that a flagger's signal - a raised hand or a sign reading SLOW or STOP - takes precedence over other guidance in the immediate area. Another concept is the taper: a lane-closure taper guides you out of a closed lane, so merge early rather than driving to the last cone.
Traps: assuming work-zone speed limits are advisory; ignoring temporary markings because permanent lines are still visible; and treating an orange sign as a permanent route guide. Also watch for signs warning of workers ahead even when no workers are visible - the reduced limit still applies when posted.
Rule of thumb: in a work zone, obey the most restrictive active control - flagger first, then temporary signals and signs, then permanent markings. Worked example: you see an orange "ROAD WORK AHEAD" sign, then a posted 45 mph limit where the normal limit is 55, then a flagger holding a STOP paddle. You slow to 45, then stop for the flagger and wait for the release signal before proceeding.