The Advance Warning Area

The section of the roadway that comes before the construction zone is referred to as the advance warning area. Here, drivers are informed that they are coming up to a work zone. The kind of advance warning that is employed varies from simple to distinctive. For example, a single sign may be posted, or, at the other end of the spectrum, high-intensity, flashing, and rotating lighting may be employed.

If several signs are used, the first sign should get the attention of passing drivers. The second can provide more detailed information as to what is happening ahead. The third sign will likely direct drivers as to a specific action that must be taken. For example, the first sign might read "ROAD WORK AHEAD," the second sign might read "RIGHT LANE CLOSED 1000 FEET," and the third sign might read "MERGE LEFT."

Two things should be considered in deciding where to place signs. First, where should the first warning sign be placed? The faster the traffic is moving through the TTC zone, the longer the warning area should be. Second, how much distance is needed between each warning sign? Most often, three signs will be used to warn drivers of the upcoming work area.

There are no set rules for answering these questions. For example, depending on the road conditions, drivers may need more or less time to react; therefore the location of the first warning and the distances between the warnings should be adjusted accordingly.

To learn more about Roadway Temporary Traffic Control visit our Construction Roadway Temporary Traffic Control Online Training web page.