Road Work Ahead Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Road Work Ahead · MUTCD W20-1 · Construction Zone sign

What the Road Work Ahead sign means

This orange diamond warns that a work zone is ahead, where crews, equipment, lane closures, or uneven surfaces may be present. Orange is the color reserved for construction and maintenance zones. Slow down, watch for workers and flaggers, obey any reduced work-zone speed limit, and be ready for lane shifts or stops. Fines for violations are often doubled in work zones. It is posted in advance so you can adjust before you reach the activity. Merge early if a lane is closing and stay alert for sudden changes in traffic flow.

What to do when you see it

Slow down, obey work-zone speed limits and flaggers, and be ready for lane closures or stopped traffic — fines are doubled here.

On the CA permit test

Orange diamonds mark construction zones; Road Work Ahead means slow down and prepare for workers and lane changes.

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