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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Road Construction Signs Explained
Orange diamond signs tell you a work zone is coming and what it will ask of you: a closed lane, a single shared lane, a flagger or workers near the road. Here is what the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) says each common road construction sign means.
Orangethe MUTCD color for temporary traffic control
W20-1ROAD WORK AHEAD, which should be the first of several advance warning signs
W20-7the Flagger sign, used before a point where a flagger controls traffic
G20-2END ROAD WORK, which when used should be placed near the downstream end of the termination area
The short answer
Road construction signs are orange because orange is the MUTCD color for temporary traffic control. Where several advance warning signs are used, ROAD WORK AHEAD should be the first. Lane Closed signs mean one or more through lanes ahead are closed, ONE LANE ROAD means traffic in both directions will share one lane, the Flagger sign means a flagger is controlling traffic ahead, and Workers signs warn of people in or near the road. END ROAD WORK, when used, should be placed near the downstream end of the work zone's termination area.
Why work zone signs are orange
Orange means temporary traffic control: in the MUTCD color code, orange is for temporary traffic control, yellow is for warning and fluorescent pink is for incident management.
Shape and color: except for the cases the MUTCD lists, temporary traffic control (TTC) warning signs shall be diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on an orange background. Mounting or space limits may justify a rectangular shape instead.
Yellow and pink: existing yellow warning signs that are still applicable may remain in place, and in emergencies yellow warning signs may be used if orange or fluorescent pink signs are not at hand. Warning signs for incident management situations may be black on fluorescent pink.
What they do: TTC warning signs notify road users of specific situations or conditions on or next to the road that might not otherwise be apparent.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 1D.05 and 6H.01, read November 4, 2026.
Where the signs start
Advance warning: where any part of the road is obstructed or closed by work or an incident, the MUTCD says advance warning signs should be installed to alert road users well in advance of the obstruction or restriction.
ROAD WORK AHEAD first: where several advance warning signs are needed before a work area, ROAD WORK AHEAD (W20-1) should be the first one road users encounter. The word STREET may be used instead of ROAD, and the distance legend may read XX FEET, XX MILES or AHEAD.
How far ahead: on freeways and expressways, advance warning sign placement should extend as far as half a mile or more. On rural highways, the effective placement of the first warning sign, in feet, should be 8 to 12 times the speed limit in mph, and on urban streets the nearest warning sign should be placed, in feet, 4 to 8 times the speed limit in mph from the work zone. On a low-speed residential street with a single sign, the advance warning area may be as short as 100 feet.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 6B.04, 6H.01, 6H.02 and 6H.03, read November 4, 2026. The MUTCD says the distances in its Table 6B-1 are approximate, intended for guidance only, and should be applied with engineering judgment.
Lane closures and one lane roads
These signs tell you how the lanes ahead will change:
| Sign | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| RIGHT (LEFT) LANE CLOSED (W20-5) | Shall be used in advance of the point where a through lane of a multi-lane roadway is closed. Where two or more adjacent lanes are closed, the W20-5a sign reads XX RIGHT (LEFT) LANES CLOSED. |
| Interior Lane Shift (W9-3) | Should be used in advance of the point where work occupies an interior lane and traffic is shifted to the right or left of the work zone around the closed lane. |
| ONE LANE ROAD (W20-4) | Shall be used only in advance of the point where motor vehicle traffic in both directions must use a common single lane. |
| RAMP NARROWS (W5-4) | Should be used in advance of the point where work on a ramp reduces its normal width. |
| NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD (W23-2) | May be used to warn of a change in traffic patterns, such as revised lane usage, roadway geometry or signal phasing. To keep it effective, it should be displayed for up to 2 weeks and then covered or removed until it is needed again. |
| EXIT OPEN, EXIT CLOSED and EXIT ONLY (E5-2, E5-2a, E5-3) | May be used with other warning signs where work near an exit ramp changes the normal exit maneuver. |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 6H.06, 6H.07, 6H.10, 6H.12, 6H.13 and 6H.14, read November 4, 2026. Distance legends on the W20-4 and W20-5 signs may read XX FEET, XX MILES or AHEAD.
Flaggers, workers and equipment
These signs warn about people and machines in or near the road:
| Sign | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| Flagger (W20-7) or FLAGGER (W20-7a) | Should be used in advance of any point where a flagger is stationed to control road users. A distance may be shown on a plaque below, and it may be used with other warning signs such as BE PREPARED TO STOP (W3-4). |
| Workers (W21-1) or WORKERS (W21-1a) | May be used to alert road users to workers in or near the roadway. In the absence of other warning devices, a Workers sign should be used when workers are in the roadway. |
| SHOULDER WORK (W21-5) and SHOULDER CLOSED (W21-5a, W21-5b) | Warn of maintenance, reconstruction or utility operations on the shoulder where the roadway itself is unobstructed. |
| ROAD MACHINERY AHEAD (W21-3) | May be used to warn of machinery operating in or next to the roadway. |
| TRUCK CROSSING (W8-6) or Truck symbol (W11-10) | May be used where construction vehicles might unexpectedly enter, leave or travel on the roadway. |
| FRESH OIL (TAR) (W21-2) | Should be used to warn of a surface treatment. |
| SURVEY CREW (W21-6) and UTILITY WORK (W21-7) | SURVEY CREW should be used to warn of survey crews in or next to the road. UTILITY WORK may be used instead of ROAD WORK for utility operations. |
| SLOW TRAFFIC AHEAD (W23-1) | May be used on a shadow vehicle, usually on the rear of the most upstream one, to warn of slow-moving work vehicles in a mobile operation. |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 6H.11 and 6H.15 to 6H.24, read November 4, 2026.
Long work zones and the end of road work
ROAD WORK NEXT XX MILES (G20-1): should be installed in advance of work zones more than 2 miles long, and may also be used for shorter ones. The distance shall be stated to the nearest whole mile.
END ROAD WORK (G20-2): when used, should be placed near the downstream end of the termination area, as determined by engineering judgment. It may be mounted on the back of a warning sign facing the other direction or on the back of a Type 3 Barricade.
BE PREPARED TO STOP before signals: the same W3-4 sign may be used to warn of stopped traffic caused by a traffic control signal. When used that way, it shall be used in addition to a Signal Ahead sign and placed downstream from it.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2C.35, 6H.35 and 6H.36, read November 4, 2026.
Sign sizes
Sizes in inches (width x height) from Table 6H-1 of the MUTCD (a dash means no size is listed):
| Sign | Conventional road | Freeway or expressway | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Work, One Lane Road, Lane(s) Closed (W20-1, W20-4, W20-5) | 36 x 36 | 48 x 48 | 30 x 30 |
| Flagger (W20-7, W20-7a) | 36 x 36 | 48 x 48 | 30 x 30 |
| Be Prepared to Stop (W3-4) | 36 x 36 | 48 x 48 | 30 x 30 |
| Workers, Shoulder Work, Road Machinery Ahead (W21-1, W21-5, W21-3) | 36 x 36 | 48 x 48 | 30 x 30 |
| Slow Traffic Ahead (W23-1) | 48 x 24 | 48 x 24 | - |
| Road Work Next XX Miles, End Road Work (G20-1, G20-2) | 36 x 18 | 48 x 24 | - |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Table 6H-1, read November 4, 2026. Larger signs may be used wherever necessary for greater legibility or emphasis. Table 6H-1 also refers to Table 2C-1 for the minimum size of signs facing traffic on multi-lane conventional roads.
Keep your brakes and tires ready for stop-and-go zones
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 4, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Road construction sign FAQ
Why are road construction signs orange?
Orange is the MUTCD color for temporary traffic control. Except for the cases the MUTCD lists, temporary traffic control (TTC) warning signs shall be diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on an orange background. Existing yellow warning signs that still apply may remain in place, and signs used for incident management may be black on fluorescent pink.
What is usually the first road work sign you see?
Where several advance warning signs are needed before a work area, the MUTCD says the ROAD WORK AHEAD (W20-1) sign should be the first one road users encounter.
What does a RIGHT LANE CLOSED sign mean?
One through lane of a multi-lane road is closed ahead. The MUTCD says a Lane Closed sign shall be used in advance of the point where one or more through lanes of a multi-lane roadway are closed; a single closure reads RIGHT (LEFT) LANE CLOSED, and two or more adjacent closed lanes read XX RIGHT (LEFT) LANES CLOSED.
What does ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD mean?
Traffic in both directions will have to share a single lane. The MUTCD says the ONE LANE ROAD (W20-4) sign shall be used only in advance of the point where motor vehicle traffic in both directions must use a common single lane.
What does a BE PREPARED TO STOP sign mean?
It warns that stopped traffic may be ahead. In a work zone, the MUTCD lists it as a sign that may be used with the Flagger sign. It may also be used to warn of stopped traffic caused by a traffic control signal; when used that way, it shall be used in addition to a Signal Ahead sign and placed downstream from it.
What does the Flagger sign mean?
A flagger is stationed ahead to control traffic. The MUTCD says the Flagger (W20-7) symbol sign should be used in advance of any point where a flagger is stationed to control road users, and the word sign FLAGGER (W20-7a) with a distance legend may be used instead.
What does END ROAD WORK mean?
The END ROAD WORK (G20-2) sign, when used, should be placed near the downstream end of the termination area, as determined by engineering judgment.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Sign descriptions are from the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Revision 1 dated December 2025), read November 4, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary of national standards, not legal advice; state law sets the rules of the road where you drive. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Sections 1D.05, 2C.35, 6B.04, 6H.01 to 6H.03, 6H.06 to 6H.24, 6H.35 and 6H.36; Table 6H-1), Federal Highway Administration, Revision 1 dated December 2025 (PDF updated February 12, 2026), read November 4, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 4, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 4, 2026