What does the construction ahead sign mean?

This sign marks the start of a work area on a road you use every day. What changes for you?

You slow down and follow the cones, signs and workers, even where they contradict the usual layout

A work area moves lanes, narrows shoulders and puts people on foot beside live traffic. The devices and the workers take priority over the markings you remember, because the road you remember is not the road that is there today.

This sign appears and the work area beyond it looks quiet, with no workers anywhere in sight. The posted lower speed carries no wording about workers being present. What applies?

The posted work zone rules apply whether or not anyone is working

A work zone changes from hour to hour, and loose gravel, missing lane markings, uneven surfaces and equipment reversing out are hazards with or without a crew standing there. Follow the posted speed and the lane arrangement through the whole zone.

This sign marks the start of a work area on the highway. What applies inside it?

Any posted lower limit and the directions of the people and devices controlling traffic

A work area changes the road faster than habit or memory can keep up with: lanes shift, surfaces change and people work close to moving traffic. The temporary signs and the person directing traffic describe the road as it is right now, so they take priority over what you remember of it. Drive on what you can see rather than what was there last week.

This sign appears on a highway in summer, where in Quebec you may also see the word TRAVAUX. The crew is visible ahead but your lane is still open. What applies?

The speed posted for the work zone, along with a readiness for lane shifts, workers and machinery on the road

TRAVAUX means road work, and a work zone is unpredictable in a way an open road is not: lane markings move, machinery reverses out without warning, and the surface changes under you. Speeds posted for the work apply whether or not you can see anyone at that moment. The reason to slow down is the person standing a metre from your mirror.

A Manitoba highway work area begins under this sign and temporary traffic devices guide drivers into another lane. What should you do?

Follow the temporary directions and adjust speed for the work area

Construction controls direct traffic through the temporary road layout. Slow and follow the devices so workers and drivers have space.

You reach this sign before road work on a Saskatchewan highway. The first machine is around a bend. What is the best response?

Reduce speed and watch for work-zone directions ahead

The sign warns that the road arrangement and hazards may change ahead. Slow early enough to follow workers, devices and posted limits safely.