Work Zone Definitions

When this type of sign is visible, whether it says 500 feet or 1500 feet, you need to begin preparing for conditions ahead. This entails staying alert and slowing down.

This sign is intended to warn motorists of a change in road conditions. When motorists see this sign, they should be prepared to stop, stay alert, maintain safe distance, and drive carefully.

While other lanes may be open, the "NO PASSING ZONE" is used to encourage one lane of traffic to prepare motorists for a lane closure.

This sign tell you how far ahead a lane will be closed. Please be courteous and merge into the open lane.

Traffic, which normally travels in one direction, is now traveling in both directions. Be alert for oncoming traffic and stay in your lane.

This sign warns motorists that a flagger is ahead directing traffic. Usually, other signs containing information about the work zone are posted.

Brighter lights also ensure clearer visibility at night for both workers and drivers. These lights are bright enough to see the road but not too bright to blind motorists.

Safety vests must have reflective stripes if worn at night. This helps motorists to see workers more clearly. Generally, the vests are made out of mesh for comfort and have a ¾" – 1 ½" reflective stripe.

• Signs are made with brighter materials, which ensures clearer visibility at night. A high-intensity sheeting which is guaranteed for ten years is now being used by PENNDOT to manufacture all signs.

• Variable message boards are used to warn motorists of changes in road conditions. These boards are very large and easily visible so that motorists do not have to strain themselves to read the messages.

• A queue detector is a device used near work zones to detect a change in traffic flow. Every time a vehicle passes through the beam which it emits, a signal is sent to a nearby message board. If the queue detector detects an unusual amount of traffic that may lead to slow movement, it signals the message board to warn motorists.