Commercial road construction signs play an essential role in providing drivers with information about the road conditions ahead. They are essential in ensuring the safety of drivers and construction workers. Commercial road construction signs can be seen on the highways and interstates of Missouri. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for ensuring that all commercial road construction signs comply with federal and state regulations.
Purpose of Missouri Commercial Road Construction Signs
The primary purpose of commercial road construction signs is to inform drivers about the work being done on the road ahead. They provide drivers with information about lane closures, detours, and road closures. Commercial road construction signs also help drivers to adjust their speed to match the conditions of the road. By providing drivers with the necessary information, commercial road construction signs help to reduce accidents and injuries on the road.
Importance of Missouri Commercial Road Construction Signs
Commercial road construction signs are vital in ensuring the safety of drivers and construction workers. They help to reduce accidents by providing drivers with information about the road ahead. Commercial road construction signs also help to reduce traffic congestion by providing drivers with alternative routes to their destination. Without commercial road construction signs, drivers would not have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their route and driving behavior.
Types of Commercial Road Construction Signs
There are several types of commercial road construction signs used on the highways and interstates of Missouri. These signs include advance warning signs, detour signs, road closed signs, lane closure signs, speed limit signs, and road work ahead signs.
A. Advance Warning Signs
Advance warning signs are used to alert drivers about construction work ahead. These signs are typically placed at least one mile before the construction site to give drivers enough time to prepare for the changes in road conditions. Advance warning signs can include information about lane closures, detours, and reduced speed limits.
B. Detour Signs
Detour signs are used to provide drivers with information about alternative routes to their destination. These signs are typically placed at the beginning of the detour route and at key decision points along the way. Detour signs can be used when a road is closed or when a lane closure makes it necessary to reroute traffic.
C. Road Closed Signs
Road closed signs are used to indicate that a road is closed and that drivers must find an alternative route. These signs are typically placed at the beginning of the closed road and at key intersections leading to the closed road.
D. Lane Closure Signs
Lane closure signs are used to indicate that a lane of traffic is closed. These signs are typically placed ahead of the closed lane to give drivers enough time to merge into the open lanes. Lane closure signs can also include information about reduced speed limits.
E. Speed Limit Signs
Speed limit signs are used to inform drivers of the maximum speed allowed in a construction zone. These signs are typically placed at the beginning of the construction zone and at regular intervals throughout the zone. The speed limit in a construction zone is typically lower than the posted speed limit on the rest of the road.
F. Road Work Ahead Signs
Road work ahead signs are a crucial type of commercial road construction sign used to warn drivers of upcoming construction work on the road. These signs are typically placed before the construction site to give drivers enough time to adjust their speed and prepare for the changes in road conditions.
The road work ahead sign is a rectangular sign with an orange background, black lettering, and a black border. The sign typically reads "Road Work Ahead" in large letters with additional information such as the distance to the construction site or the expected duration of the road work.
The placement of road work ahead signs is critical to their effectiveness. They should be placed in a location where drivers can easily see and read them, typically several hundred feet before the construction site. The sign should be placed at a height that is easily visible to drivers, typically seven feet above the ground.
Road work ahead signs are often used in conjunction with other types of commercial road construction signs, such as lane closure signs or speed limit signs. By providing drivers with the necessary information, these signs help to reduce accidents and injuries on the road and ensure the safety of drivers and construction workers.
It's essential for drivers to pay close attention to road work ahead signs and follow the information provided. They should adjust their speed to match the conditions of the road and be prepared for changes in traffic patterns. Drivers should also be aware that fines for speeding or disregarding construction signs are often higher than in normal driving conditions.
Design of Commercial Road Construction Signs
The design of commercial road construction signs is regulated by federal and state guidelines to ensure uniformity and readability. The design elements include the sign shape, size, colors, and lettering.
A. Sign Shape
The shape of commercial road construction signs is rectangular with rounded corners. This shape helps to differentiate construction signs from other types of signs on the road. The corners are rounded to prevent sharp edges that could cause injury in the event of an accident.
B. Sign Size
The size of commercial road construction signs varies depending on the type of sign and the speed of traffic in the construction zone. The larger the sign, the easier it is for drivers to read the information. The minimum size for construction signs is 48 inches by 48 inches.
C. Sign Colors
The colors of commercial road construction signs are regulated by federal and state guidelines to ensure consistency and visibility. The colors used in construction signs include orange, black, and white. Orange is used for background color, black is used for lettering and symbols, and white is used for borders and backgrounds.
D. Sign Lettering
The lettering on commercial road construction signs must be clear, legible, and easy to read from a distance. The lettering must be in a bold, sans-serif font that is at least two inches high. The message on the sign should be concise and informative.
Placement of Missouri Commercial Road Construction Signs
The placement of commercial road construction signs is critical to ensuring their effectiveness in informing drivers about the road conditions ahead. The placement elements include the location, height, and distance.
A. Location
The location of commercial road construction signs is determined by the type of sign and the road conditions. Advance warning signs are typically placed at least one mile before the construction site to give drivers enough time to prepare for the changes in road conditions. Detour signs are placed at key decision points along the detour route. Road closed signs are placed at the beginning of the closed road and at key intersections leading to the closed road. Lane closure signs are placed ahead of the closed lane to give drivers enough time to merge into the open lanes. Speed limit signs are placed at the beginning of the construction zone and at regular intervals throughout the zone. Road work ahead signs are placed before the construction site to warn drivers of upcoming road work.
B. Height
The height of commercial road construction signs is determined by the speed of traffic in the construction zone. The higher the sign, the easier it is for drivers to read the information. The minimum height for construction signs is seven feet above the ground.
C. Distance
The distance between commercial road construction signs is determined by the speed of traffic in the construction zone. The faster the traffic, the farther apart the signs should be to give drivers enough time to react to the information. The maximum distance between construction signs is 1,000 feet.
Commercial road construction signs are essential in ensuring the safety of drivers and construction workers on the highways and interstates of Missouri. They provide drivers with information about the road conditions ahead and help to reduce accidents and injuries. The design and placement of commercial road construction signs are regulated by federal and state guidelines to ensure uniformity and readability. Drivers should pay close attention to construction signs and follow the information provided to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Call us today for all your Missouri road and bridge construction sign needs!