You can see various types of traffic signs installed to guide you on roads. These signs show danger and the rules you have to follow. Most signs are permanent, but you can also observe temporary signs. These are orange traffic signs.
To drive safely in worksites, it’s important for you to understand the orange signs’ meaning and its different types. This article covers everything you need to know about orange traffic signs.
Orange Road Signs Meanings
Orange traffic signs are installed to warn you about temporary dangers & road conditions. It is a warm and reflective color that is used for road signs, so you can notice signs easily.
These signs tell you to slow down and drive carefully. For construction zones, this is a standard and most commonly used warning sign color across the world.
What Are Orange Road Signs Used For?
There are several hazardous conditions you have to handle on the road during construction. That’s why you should use orange colored traffic signs to control traffic when construction or maintenance is in progress.
Generally, you will see orange signs with black letters or symbols. When you observe this signage in your way, you must reduce your car speed and follow the rules mentioned on board.
Main Types of Orange Road Signs
1. Low Shoulder Sign
Traffic authorities install low shoulder signs when the road shoulder is lower than the main road. Mostly, you will see this diamond shaped orange sign where the shoulder is 3 inches below the travel lane.
Hence, your car can lose balance if you drive on road edges. You need to slow down and always avoid sharp turns to stay safe. The MUTCD code for this sign is W8-9.
2. Road Work Ahead Sign
It is required by law to place road work ahead signs (MUTCD W20-1) at your chantiers de construction. Because, heavy equipment and loose gravel can be dangerous for drivers & pedestrians.
Whenever you observe this sign, you should be prepared for unexpected risks, workers, machines and lane changes ahead of you.
3. Uneven Lane Sign
It has a diamond shape with an orange background and black text on it. An uneven lane sign (MUTCD W8-11) is a construction warning board which indicates road lanes that are not at the same level.
For example: you may find one lane higher or lower than other due to road resurface or repair work. You should maintain your car speed, hold steering as well as avoid sudden lane shifts.
4. Detour Signs
When you are traveling on the road and notice a “detour sign”, it means your current route is closed ahead. Well, this is a temporary contrôle de la circulation (TTC) sign which you will commonly spot along detour roads. They are placed to guide drivers, cyclists & pedestrians around road closures and construction.
However, detour signs always mark the exit before the highway closes. It means, you can take the exit and then choose a safe alternative route to reach your destination. You only need to follow the arrow symbol on the detour board.
5. Flagman Ahead Sign
You will note flagman ahead signs mostly in temporary traffic control zones. These include road maintenance areas and construction sites. It has an orange background and shows you black flag symbol.
These signs warn you that a person with a flag is directing traffic ahead. You have to slow down your vehicle and follow flagman’s signals/instructions.
6. Utility Work Ahead Signs
Utility work ahead signs are installed to show you that workers are fixing cables or utilities on or near the road. For example: you will observe these signs when crew repair or install power or gas lines.
You have to reduce your car speed and stay alert. Because you may face lane closure or traffic delays ahead.
7. Workers Ahead Sign
Generally, this is the first sign placed before a work location. Hence, it gives you enough time to slow down your car and stay alert. You may see workers or lane changes ahead. The road may turn narrow or uneven.
Furthermore, there are also additional tools that follow this sign such as cônes de sécurité et panneaux fléchés. In this way, you will get maximum protection from danger and accidents.
8. Construction Entrance Sign
Construction entrance sign marks the official entry to a construction area. For instance: you can see this sign where trucks and workers enter the site. This sign is commonly made with matériaux réfléchissants.
Due to its orange color and reflectivity, you can easily spot it. The major purpose of this sign is to manage deliveries and keep people safe.
10. Lane Closed Sign
It is a diamond-shaped and easy-to-see construction zone sign. Authorities place this sign where they want to inform you that road lanes are temporarily closed. The major reason is road repair or possible danger on the road.
That’s why you need to use a lane that is open & safe for driving. Majorly, there are two types of lane closed signs installed on roads.
- Left lane closed ahead sign means the left lane of traffic is blocked
- Right lane closed ahead signage indicate traffic is not allowed to use right lane
11. Slow Moving Vehicle Road Sign
A slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign is basically a bright and orange triangle board. Further, it has a red border. This sign warns you about a vehicle ahead moving 25 mph or slower.
These signs are placed when workers operate tractors or heavy equipment in the construction area. Whenever you notice it, you should slow down and completely stop if required.
12. Be Prepared To Stop Sign
This is also an orange warning sign (MUTCD W3-4). It mostly has a diamond shape. Traffic departments install it to alert drivers about unexpected stops on the road. It also advises you to reduce your vehicle speed and get ready to stop.
Well, these signs are generally placed before feux de circulation, construction zones or congested road areas.
13. Bump Ahead Sign
In construction or maintenance areas, you will find bump ahead signs. These are orange warning boards used to alert drivers.
So that you can stay alert about sudden changes in the road surface such as a sharp rise, steep bump or dip. However, its highly visible orange color indicates that the hazard is not permanent.
14. Work Zone Speed Limit Sign
For the protection of workers and safety of drivers, it is important to follow speed limits in construction areas. Hence, these signs are placed to show you the maximum speed limit you can drive.
You can easily identify these signs due to their reflective orange color and black text on them. Mostly, you are allowed to drive your vehicle in workplaces between 45 mph and 55 mph.
15. End Road Work Signs
End road work signs (G20-2) are rectangular orange signs. You will notice it at the end of a construction zone. They inform you about temporary traffic controls such as reduced speed limits or lane shifts rules not applied anymore. Therefore, you can follow regular traffic rules and drive at normal speed.
Common Shapes For Orange Road Sign
Mostly, you will find the following types of orange traffic sign shapes in short term traffic control & maintenance areas.
Orange Diamond Traffic Sign
Diamond shaped orange road signs are widely used to alert you about dangers ahead on the road. For example: you can use this shape to provide warning of lane closures, road work ahead, detour & temporary traffic pattern changes.
Orange Triangle Traffic Sign
D'autre part, triangle orange traffic signs provide you with important road work instructions or rules. Generally, you will see horizontal and vertical triangle signs. These shaped signs guide you about end road work and reduced speed limits in work sites.
Locations of Orange Traffic Sign
- Construction zones: These are locations where construction of road bridges or buildings are under process. For the safety of road users and workers, orange road signs are placed.
- Maintenance areas: These signs are also installed when crews fix or care for the road such as potholes filling, marquages routiers ou système de drainage. So, orange signs tell you to drive carefully.
- Emergency work sites: You will see emergency or temporary work sites suddenly. For example: danger on the road after a crash, flood, or fallen tree. Hence, these signs warn you about the threat ahead.
Pour résumer
You should always treat orange traffic signs with extra focus and obey rules mentioned on them. This way, you can protect yourself and also workers in construction zones.
If you are a road construction manager and need high quality orange signs to make your project safe, JACKWIN is your top choice. You can also order other safety products such as cônes de signalisation et gilets haute visibilité for your crew. Contactez-nous maintenant pour obtenir un devis rapide.
