Temporary traffic signage 📢 adapts the usual traffic rules to special situations: roadworks, crashes, heavy traffic, or adverse weather 🌧️. Lights, panels, and barriers are used to improve road safety and traffic flow.
📺 1. Variable Message Signs
These electronic signs provide real-time 🕒 information on:
- ℹ️ General traffic information
- ⚠️ Hazard warnings (accidents, roadworks, weather conditions)
- 🚫 Prohibitions or detour instructions
📍 Example: “Dense fog — Reduce speed” or “Exit 12 closed”.
🚧 2. Delineation Signs
Delineation signs show how the roadway is arranged under special conditions, and are divided into:
🔴 2.1 Barrier Devices
| Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Fixed barrier | 🚫 Prevents access to part of the roadway |
| Movable half-barrier | 🔁 Temporarily restricts passage |
| Temporary directional panel | 🔄 Indicates a mandatory change of direction |
| Flags or cones | 📛 Mark areas where passage is prohibited |
| Steady red light | ⛔ Roadway closed |
| Flashing amber lights | ⚠️ Caution, restricted passage |
🟡 2.2 Guidance Devices
Elements that mark edges, curves, or risk areas. They are fixed in place and especially visible at night 🌙.
- Apex marker 🔺: Marks the point where two directions split.
- Edge marker ⛓️: Indicates the lateral edge of the road.
- Retroreflectors (cat’s eyes) ✨: Reflectors that improve nighttime visibility.
- Side barriers (guardrails) 🛑: Protect against dangerous run-offs.
🚜 3. Work Zone Signage and Delineation
When there are roadworks 🏗️, they must be clearly signposted both by day and night 🌙 with:
- ⚠️ Warning signs
- 🐀Light signals
- 🟨 Vertical signs with a yellow background
- 📏 Temporary yellow road markings
📍 Important: Workers must wear high-visibility clothing, and work vehicles must carry warning lights visible from 100 meters.
💡 Practical Examples
- 🚧 A road under repair will use cones, amber lights, and panels indicating “mandatory detour”.
- ⚡ A nighttime motorway crash can be signaled with variable LED signs and reflective barriers.
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