A few key signs are required to warn drivers of potential hazards when performing road work in Boise, Idaho. They are commonly referred to as "Work Zone" signs. Keep reading for an overview of these sign products and styles.
Types of Work Signs
- Regulatory Signs: These signs tell drivers what they MUST do. An example would be a "Road Closed" sign.
- Warning Signs: These signs tell drivers about potential hazards ahead. An example would be "Detour" signs and "Flaggers Ahead" signs.
- Guide Signs: These signs provide information to drivers to help them navigate work zones. An example would be an arrow sign pointing which way to go on a detour.
Specifications and Styles
- Regulatory and warning signs are typically diamond-shaped with black lettering and symbols.
- Guide signs are usually rectangular with a white background and black lettering and symbols.
- Signs are made from various materials, but aluminum is the most popular choice because it is lightweight and durable.
- Signs are placed directly on the ground, and temporary fencing can be installed to surround the work zone.
Specific Work Zone Signs
The “Road Work Ahead” sign is an orange diamond shape with a black border and text. They must be placed at least 1000 feet before the construction zone. They must also be placed on both sides of the road if the construction crew works on more than one lane.
The “Lane Closed Ahead” sign is another orange diamond-shaped sign with a black border and text. These signs need to be placed at least 500 feet in advance of the blocked lane. A “Lane Closed” sign is also required at the beginning of the blocked lane.
The “Detour” sign has the same orange and black requirement; however, this sign is rectangular in shape. It also has black arrows to indicate the route drivers need to take. This sign needs to be placed at the beginning of the detour route. If the detour is longer than 2 miles, additional “Detour” signs must be placed at intervals not exceeding 1/2 mile.
The “Work Zone Speed Limit” sign is another rectangle-shaped sign. However, there are a few options for this style of sign. They can be the typical black and white speed limit sign with the addition of a small orange and black sign attached to the top. This sign will have the words "Work Zone" printed on it. Another option for this sign style is a diamond-shaped all-orange sign with the white and black speed limit sign printed on it. It can also include an arrow informing drivers of speed limit changes.
The “Flaggers Ahead” sign is used to warn drivers they will encounter flaggers ahead who are controlling traffic through the work zone. This sign is diamond shaped with an orange background and a black border. The text is printed in black and says, “Flaggers Ahead.” It can also include a picture of a stick figure holding a flag. These signs must be placed at least 500 feet before the flaggers.
The “End Road Work” sign is a rectangular shape with an orange background and black border. The text is printed in black and says, “End Road Work.” This is placed at the end of the work zone to inform traffic the construction zone has passed.
"Road Closed" is another sign with multiple variations. The most common is an orange diamond-shaped "Road Closed" sign with black text is placed where only construction vehicles are permitted. Another option is the yellow diamond or white rectangular sign with "Road Closed to Thru Traffic" written in black. This sign means general traffic cannot pass through, but residents and commercial traffic which needs to access areas near the work zone is permitted.
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