What Is the Main Color for Signs in Highway Work Zones

Color standards for work zone signs

• Orange background: The primary color for highway work zone signs since 1964

  • Used for temporary caution signs during construction, including orange construction signs on highways
  • Quickly alerts drivers to temporary hazards or cautions nearby in work zones

• Black text or symbols: Used on orange signs for maximum readability and visibility in highway work zones

• Reflective materials: Reflective aluminum became available in 1964, increasing visibility of work zone traffic sign colors at night

Purpose and importance of orange work zone signs

• Alert drivers: Quickly communicate the presence of construction and maintenance work on or near the road using orange construction signs on highways

• Provide instructions: May include specific actions like "BE PREPARED TO STOP" or guide traffic around work zones

• Enhance safety: Aim to maintain worker safety and smooth traffic flow in highway work zones

Driver responsibilities when encountering orange signs

• Reduce speed: Automatically slow down when orange work zone signs are present on highways

• Obey instructions: Follow all traffic control devices and road placards in construction areas

• Increased caution: Be prepared to stop quickly and drive with extra care in highway work zones

• Awareness of workers: Be mindful that workers may be focused on their tasks and not paying attention to traffic

Other colors used in road signage

• Yellow: Used for permanent caution signs with black text, distinct from orange construction signs on highways

• Red: Indicates stop, yield, and do not enter signs

• Green: Used for highway exit and directional signs

• Blue: Indicates rest stops and motorist services

Visibility enhancements for work zone signs

• LED technology: Trailer-mounted radar feedback signs with ultra-bright LEDs can grab drivers' attention in highway work zones

• Flags or flashing lights: May be used with signs to increase visibility of work zone traffic sign colors, without blocking the sign face

FAQ

What is the main color for signs in highway work zones?

The main color for signs in highway work zones is orange. This color has been used since 1964 to quickly alert drivers to temporary cautions or hazards in construction areas.

Why are orange construction signs used on highways?

Orange construction signs are used on highways to alert drivers to the presence of construction and maintenance work. They quickly communicate temporary hazards or cautions nearby in work zones and enhance safety for both workers and drivers.

What do the work zone traffic sign colors mean?

In work zone traffic sign colors, orange is the primary color for temporary caution signs during construction. Black text or symbols are used on the orange background for maximum readability and visibility. Other colors like yellow, red, green, and blue are used for different types of permanent road signs.

How should drivers respond to orange signs in highway work zones?

When encountering orange signs in highway work zones, drivers should reduce speed, obey all instructions on the signs, exercise increased caution, be prepared to stop quickly, and be aware of workers who may be focused on their tasks.

Are there any visibility enhancements for work zone traffic sign colors?

Yes, visibility enhancements for work zone traffic sign colors include the use of reflective materials, LED technology such as trailer-mounted radar feedback signs with ultra-bright LEDs, and the addition of flags or flashing lights to increase visibility without blocking the sign face.