Work zones

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize the start and end of a work zone from orange signs and devices.
• You can follow temporary speed limits, lane shifts and detours.
• You can obey a flagger's signals and automated flagger devices.
• You can merge early and smoothly where a lane is closed.
• You can keep extra following distance through a work zone.

What you need to know and understand

• Orange signs, cones, barrels and drums mark temporary traffic control in work zones.
• Flaggers use STOP/SLOW paddles and hand signals; you must obey them.
• A flagger's direction overrides normal signs and signals.
• Fines often increase in work zones. California doubles fines in posted zones when workers are present; Oregon doubles traffic fines in all work zones.
• In Oregon, a posted work zone speed applies at all times, even when no workers are visible. Varies by state.
• Traffic often slows or stops without warning, so leave extra following distance.
• In states such as California, the move-over law also covers stopped road work vehicles with flashing lights.

Driving through a work zone

1. When you see the first orange sign, slow down, put the phone away and focus.
2. Read each sign: lane closed ahead, reduced speed, flagger ahead, or detour.
3. Merge into the open lane early and smoothly, when there is space, rather than at the last moment.
4. Keep to the posted work zone speed and leave extra space ahead.
5. Watch for workers, equipment and construction vehicles entering the road. Do not follow construction vehicles into the work area.
6. Resume normal speed only after the END ROAD WORK sign or a new speed limit sign.

Flaggers and automated flaggers

On two-lane roads, one lane may close and a flagger will let each direction through in turn. A paddle showing STOP means stop and wait at the flagger's stopping point. SLOW means proceed slowly with care. Watch for hand signals too.

Some sites use automated flagger devices with red and yellow lights and a gate arm. In Oregon, for example, you stop when the red light is on and the arm is down, and proceed when the yellow light flashes and the arm is up.

Why the rules are strict

Work zone crashes hurt drivers and passengers as well as road crews, often in rear-end crashes when traffic slows. Speeding, tailgating and distraction are the main dangers. Higher fines and lower limits exist to protect both crews and drivers. California also sets heavy penalties for assaulting a highway worker.

Common mistakes

• Speeding up again because no workers are visible. In many states the limit still applies.
• Waiting until the cones to merge. Merge early when the sign warns of a lane closure.
• Following too closely. Traffic in work zones often stops suddenly.
• Driving past a flagger's STOP paddle. Stay stopped until the paddle shows SLOW or you are waved on.
• Looking at the work instead of the road. Keep your eyes on traffic and the path ahead.

Test yourself: Work zones

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Work Zone Driving Rules in the US