Roadwork Sites & Rules

To protect road workers and moving traffic, the number of lanes is often reduced near road works. Before road works, you can come upon large flashing arrows in the middle of the road indicating that you must merge lanes and slow down as a result of hazards ahead. Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct. Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.

Road Works Ahead

When the ‘Road Works Ahead’ sign is displayed, you will need to be more watchful and look for additional signs providing more specific instructions. Observe all signs - they are there for your safety and the safety of road workers

Reduced speeds

Temporarily reduced speed limits are erected to ensure that traffic travels through the site at safe speeds.

Driving at reduced speed at road works is important because:

• The roads may have uneven road surfaces
• The roads may be narrower than usual (i.e. fewer lanes)
• The roads may be unsafe at normal speeds due to the repairs being done (e.g. loose gravel on the roads or sharp turns)
• To create a safe environment for road workers that work out of sight on or near the road
• Large vehicles may occupy parts of the road (e.g. when relocating utilities)
• Mobile road work jobs are dangerous and reduced speeds increase safety

Take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists as they are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or other debris at road works.

Common road works signs

One lane crossover at contraflow road works