Work zone signs and what they mean
Orange signs mark temporary traffic control: road work, detours, lane closures and flaggers. Slow down, follow the signs and watch for workers.
In the MUTCD color code, orange means temporary traffic control (Section 1D.05). Work zone warning signs are diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on an orange background (Section 6H.01), and temporary guide signs are black on orange too (Section 6I.01).
A work zone runs from the first warning sign, or the first vehicle with warning lights, to the END ROAD WORK sign or the last temporary traffic control device (Section 6B.02). Some states have higher fines in work zones, shown with BEGIN and END HIGHER FINES ZONE signs (Section 6G.08).
US work zone signs
Road work ahead signRoad work ahead.
Detour signA detour onto another road ahead.
One lane road ahead signTraffic both ways shares one lane ahead.
Lane closed ahead signA lane is closed ahead; merge in time.
Flagger ahead signA flagger is controlling traffic ahead.
End road work signThe work zone ends here.
Road closed ahead signThe road is closed at the distance shown.
Workers signWorkers are in or near the road.
Shoulder work signWork on the shoulder ahead; the road is open.
Utility work ahead signUtility crews are working ahead.
Road work next miles signShows how long the work zone ahead is.
Test yourself
What does an orange diamond reading ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD mean?
- A lane is closed ahead; merge in time.
- Traffic both ways shares one lane ahead.
- A detour onto another road ahead.
Show answer
B. Traffic both ways shares one lane ahead. MUTCD Section 6H.06: the sign is used only before the point where traffic in both directions must use a common single lane. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control: Section 6H.06, FHWA
Every sign page has its own quick question. For more practice, take the road signs quiz or the free practice test.
More signs and markings
- Regulatory signs
- Warning signs
- Railroad crossing signs
- Guide and service signs
- Pavement markings
- All road signs
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA) sections below.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control: Sections 6B.02, 6G.08, 6H.01, 6I.01, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.