How can you identify a highway work zone?

Identifying a highway work zone is essential for ensuring safety on the road. The presence of black on orange signs is a key indicator that a construction or maintenance activity is taking place. These signs typically give warnings about work zones, upcoming hazards, or necessary adjustments to driving behavior. The use of an orange background signifies that there is something in progress that requires drivers to be alert and cautious.

Flaggers, bright yellow signs, and reduced speed limits can also indicate work zones but may not be as definitive. Flaggers might be present but are not always visible. Bright yellow signs can indicate a variety of situations, including construction, but do not specifically denote a work zone. Reduced speed limits are often implemented in work zones, but again, they are not exclusive to them and can apply in other scenarios as well. Therefore, the use of black on orange signs is the most specific and recognized method to identify highway work zones.