What is the role of temporary traffic control signs?

The role of temporary traffic control signs is to alert drivers of specific road conditions or changes that may affect their safety while navigating through or near a work zone. These signs are essential for maintaining safety for both drivers and construction workers, as they provide real-time information about hazards such as lane closures, detours, speed reductions, and other temporary traffic patterns that result from construction or maintenance activities.

While permanent instructions are crucial for guiding drivers in normal conditions, temporary signs are specifically designed to convey changes in these conditions due to work zones. They are not intended for discouraging traffic or communicating with emergency responders, but rather to ensure that drivers are informed about the immediate environment and can adjust their driving behavior accordingly. This helps to minimize the risk of accidents and ensures a smoother flow of traffic through areas where road work is occurring.