Collection: Construction Signs

We carry the full range of MUTCD-compliant orange work zone signs across four categories:

• Road condition and closure signs alert drivers to changes ahead: Road Work Ahead (W20-1), Road Closed Ahead (W20-3), One Lane Road Ahead (W20-4), Lane Closed (W20-5), Detour Ahead (W20-2).
• Work activity signs identify what is happening in the zone: Workers Symbol (W21-1), Men Working (W21-1B), Flagger Symbol (W20-7), Road Machinery Ahead (W21-3), Shoulder Work (W21-5), Survey Crew (W21-6), Utility Work Ahead (W21-7), Mowers Ahead (W21-1C).
• Traffic guidance signs direct driver behavior through the zone: Be Prepared to Stop (CW3-4), Lane Reduction (W4-2), Merge (W4-1), advisory speed plaques.
• Supplemental plaques mount below a parent sign to add distance or direction. Distance options: 500 ft, 1000 ft, 1500 ft, 1/2 mile, 1 mile.

All signs are available in multiple sizes and your choice of HIP, Diamond Grade DG3, or Diamond Grade Fluorescent Orange sheeting.

All three options we carry exceed the MUTCD minimum (Type II) for ground-mounted construction signs. The right choice depends on your road speed, lighting conditions, and project specs.

High Intensity Prismatic (HIP) uses truncated cube technology and meets ASTM D4956 Type IV. Strong reflectivity at a competitive price. Most common choice for standard work zones on conventional roads.

Diamond Grade (DG3) uses full-cube prismatic technology and meets ASTM D4956 Type XI. Returns nearly twice the light of HIP. Best for high-speed corridors and nighttime work zones.

Diamond Grade Fluorescent Orange delivers the same full-cube reflective performance as DG3, plus a fluorescent orange background for significantly better daytime visibility. Best overall option for crews that reuse signs across multiple projects.

If your project specs call for a specific sheeting grade, match that requirement. Warranty duration varies by sheeting type and color. For more on MUTCD reflectivity requirements, see MUTCD Part 6: Temporary Traffic Control.

Match the sign size to the road type. The MUTCD specifies:

• Conventional roads: 36" x 36"
• Freeways and expressways: 48" x 48"
• Low-speed, low-volume roads (25 mph or less): 30" x 30" minimum

Most contractors purchase 36" x 36" for standard road work and 48" x 48" for highway projects. The MUTCD allows oversized signs anywhere but does not allow undersized signs on higher-speed roads. For the full MUTCD sign size table, see Table 6F-1.

Start with your traffic control plan. Most work zone projects require a combination of advance warning signs, activity signs, and supplemental plaques. The MUTCD Part 6 defines standard sign layouts for common work zone configurations including lane closures, road closures, shoulder work, and flagging operations.

For sign size, match the road type. Conventional roads require 36" x 36" signs. Freeways and expressways require 48" x 48" signs. A 30" x 30" minimum is allowed only where traffic volumes are low and speeds are 25 mph or less. When in doubt, use the larger size.

For sheeting, check your project specifications. Many state DOTs and municipal contracts specify a minimum reflective grade. If no grade is specified, HIP meets the MUTCD minimum for most applications. For high-speed or nighttime work zones, Diamond Grade DG3 or Diamond Grade Fluorescent Orange provides better visibility and a longer service life.

Replace any sign that is no longer in "new" or "like new" condition. The MUTCD requires work zone signs to meet this standard every time they are deployed. Signs do not need to be replaced after every project, but inspect before each use. Replace immediately if you see:

• Fading or discoloration
• Cracking, peeling, or separation of the reflective surface
• Bending that reduces nighttime visibility
• Missing reflective material
• Damage that makes the legend hard to read

A sign that looks readable in daylight may fail at night. Retroreflectivity degrades from sunlight, salt, and weather over time. FHWA recommends always having a replacement available rather than leaving a sign location empty. For detailed inspection methods, see the FHWA Guide for Street and Highway Maintenance Personnel.

No. All signs in this collection are sold as sign panels only. Posts, stands, brackets, and mounting hardware are sold separately.

For permanent or semi-permanent installations, signs mount to U-channel sign posts or square tube posts using sign mounting brackets. Browse our Sign Posts collection for options.

For temporary work zone setups, signs can be mounted on portable sign stands, Type III barricades, or vehicle hitch-mount holders. Contact us at support@roadsigns.com or call 888-495-ROAD if you need help selecting the right mounting setup for your project.