Night Work Zone with a Flagger and Conflicting Permanent Markings
At 10:30 p.m. you are southbound on Connecticut Avenue NW approaching a signed work zone. The permanent roadway has two southbound lanes, but the right lane is closed by orange drums and a flashing arrow board pointing left. Orange signs read ROAD WORK AHEAD, ONE LANE ROAD, and SPEED LIMIT 25. The permanent white lane line still runs straight ahead into the closed area, and the temporary yellow line has been shifted left. A flagger in a high-visibility vest is standing near the closed lane holding a paddle that reads SLOW. The portable traffic signal at the far end of the closure is dark. A small truck is backing out of the work area toward your lane. The flagger waves you forward with the paddle. The driver behind you is tailgating.
1. The permanent markings still show two lanes, but the temporary markings and orange signs shift traffic left. Which control takes precedence, and what does the flagger's SLOW paddle add?
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In a work zone, temporary traffic control devices and flaggers govern the movement of traffic. The orange signs, arrow board, drums, and temporary yellow line supersede the permanent white line, which has not yet been removed or covered. The flagger's SLOW paddle means proceed slowly and be prepared to stop; it is not an all-clear signal and it does not mean the work area is safe to cross quickly. The dark portable signal is not controlling while the flagger is directing traffic. Follow the flagger's position and paddle, move left as the temporary markings indicate, and reduce speed to the posted work-zone limit or lower.
2. The truck is backing toward your lane while the flagger waves you forward. How do you proceed?
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The flagger's wave gives you permission to proceed, but it does not guarantee that the truck driver sees you. Move at walking pace with your foot covering the brake, and watch the truck's rear lights, mirrors, and movement. Make eye contact with the flagger if possible. If the truck continues backing into your path, stop and wait rather than trying to squeeze past. Use a brief horn tap if the truck driver appears unaware. Do not assume the right of way simply because the flagger waved; the immediate hazard controls your next action.
3. Does the 25 mph work-zone speed limit apply at 10:30 p.m. when no workers are visible? Why or why not?
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Yes, unless the sign itself carries a condition such as WHEN WORKERS PRESENT or is covered when the zone is inactive. A posted SPEED LIMIT 25 is a regulatory speed limit, not an advisory. At night, workers may be behind equipment or out of your headlight range, and the lane shift, drums, and narrowed path still require a lower speed. The absence of visible workers does not by itself cancel a properly posted work-zone limit. Slow to 25 mph or less and be ready for sudden stops, equipment, or a flagger's changed instruction.