Signs for lane closures and Contra-flow Systems

The UK has dual carriageways and motorways. These signs are used when works are carried out on these roads, and when necessary, traffic may be diverted onto the opposing carriageway, known as a contraflow system.

The traffic lanes that remain open are available to all traffic. The red bar indicates a lane that is closed ahead

Some traffic lanes that remain open may have restrictions. This sign shows a narrow lane with a width restriction...

...Other restrictions may relate to the type of vehicle, vehicle height or weight

Traffic leaving at the next junction should use the near-side lane. This lane may also be used by traffic staying on the motorway

Traffic lanes divide ahead. The lane on the left leads to a junction and may also be used by traffic staying on the motorway. The right-hand lanes cross to the other carriageway. Areas closed to traffic are shown in red

Traffic lanes move across to the left, making use of the hard shoulder. Drivers are guided by temporary road markings or yellow road studs

These signs show the distance over which the reduced number of lanes continue through the road works. The signs are repeated at regular intervals, usually every ½ mile. In these examples, there are no lane restrictions such as a width limit.

The vertical black line indicates that the left-hand lane is the hard shoulder. The white downward-pointing arrow indicates a contraflow traffic lane separated by traffic cylinders. Where the contraflow lane is separated by a physical barrier or a buffer lane (a lane closed to traffic), the white arrow is not shown

Two traffic lanes move to the right: one crosses over to the other carriageway. The advised speed where the lanes divert is 30 mph

These repeater signs through the works are used where at least one lane has restricted use. The white downward-pointing arrow indicates a contra-flow traffic lane separated by traffic cylinders. Where the contra-flow lane is separated by a physical barrier or a buffer lane (a lane closed to traffic), the white arrow is not shown

Junctions may be accessible from within the road works area. The sign on the left shows an exit on the same carriageway. The signon the right shows an exit reached from a contra-flow lane on the other carriageway. The style of numerals used for the route number depends on whether the signs are on a motorway or an all-purpose road. The black patch shows the motorway junction number

these signs are located where the exit route leaves the main through route. The upper sign is used on motorways and the lower sign on all-purpose roads

The hard shoulder is used as an exit lane at a junction

These signs show how lanes cross back from the opposite carriageway at the end of a contra-flow system

This sign indicates a lane change within the same carriageway. It is likely to be used near the end of the road works, prior to the carriageway being fully open

These signs indicate that use of the hard shoulder as a traffic lane has come to an end. Traffic is diverted onto the main carriageway. The sign on the right indicates that the carriageway ahead is fully open

Narrow traffic lanes revert to their normal width

Where delays are likely to occur at road works, the end sign may include a message of apology. The sign also means end of all temporary restrictions, including speed limits

This sign may follow the "end of road works" sign to provide a telephone contact number for the traffic authority responsible for the road works