Roadworks and construction sites next to traffic are among the most dangerous places to work. Drivers arrive at speed, often distracted, and the road layout they expect has suddenly changed. Temporary signs, barricades and lights are what turn that change into something drivers can handle safely.
Temporary signs are different
South Africa uses a separate family of temporary road signs for roadworks – the TW (temporary warning), TR (temporary regulatory) and TG (temporary guidance) series. They usually have a yellow background so drivers can see at a glance that conditions have changed. Because work zones move, many of these signs are mounted on movable A-frames or weighted stands rather than fixed poles.
Plan the work zone in order
- Advance warning – tell drivers about the works well before they arrive. The faster the road, the earlier the first sign.
- Slow traffic down – use a temporary speed limit and repeat it if the zone is long.
- Guide traffic across – road-narrows or lane-closed signs, then a smooth taper of cones or delineators.
- Protect the workers – water- or sand-filled barricades between traffic and the work area, with keep-left or keep-right signs.
- Close the zone – an end-of-works sign so drivers know normal conditions are back.
Make it visible day and night
- Reflective signs and cones with reflective sleeves.
- Solar cone lights and flashing lights on barricades.
- Tall 1.8 m Monster Cones on wide sites and mines.
- Clean, upright signs – check them every shift, because wind and passing trucks knock them over.
On the site itself
Inside the site boundary, workers and visitors need their own signs: a notice board at the entrance, PPE signs, warnings at excavations and overhead work, and clear routes for vehicles and pedestrians. Our construction site signs page lists everything you need, and we can supply the full kit and set it up.
Need signs for your road, site or workplace? Request a quote, upload your list or call 067 741 0422. Road Signage Africa has supplied and installed road signs, road markings and safety equipment since 2002.
