MOT Advanced Warning Sign Placement 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A contractor is setting up a mobile operation that moves slowly down a highway. How does advance warning sign placement differ from a stationary work zone?
- Mobile operations require no advance warning signs
- Signs must be mounted on vehicles that move with the operation to maintain proper spacing (Correct answer)
- Signs are permanently fixed at the start of the project regardless of operation location
- Only one sign on the lead vehicle is required
Correct answer: Signs must be mounted on vehicles that move with the operation to maintain proper spacing
For mobile operations, warning signs are typically vehicle-mounted and travel with the work to keep the advance warning area continuously positioned ahead of workers.
Question 2: When night work is performed, which enhancement is most commonly required for advance warning signs?
- Signs must be painted with luminescent paint
- High-intensity retroreflective sheeting or supplemental lighting must be used (Correct answer)
- Signs should be doubled in size only
- Floodlights must illuminate the signs from in front
Correct answer: High-intensity retroreflective sheeting or supplemental lighting must be used
High-intensity retroreflective sheeting (Type III, IV, or higher) or supplemental illumination ensures signs are visible under headlight illumination at night.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'buffer space' between the last advance warning sign and the beginning of the taper?
- It provides space for additional utility vehicles
- It gives drivers distance to complete speed reduction before entering the taper (Correct answer)
- It is used to store construction materials
- It separates the flagging station from approaching traffic
Correct answer: It gives drivers distance to complete speed reduction before entering the taper
The buffer space provides a clear zone where drivers complete deceleration so they enter the taper at an appropriate reduced speed.
Question 4: A 'Speed Limit 45' regulatory sign is placed within a work zone. What type of sign is this, and who authorizes it?
- A warning sign authorized by the contractor
- A regulatory sign that must be authorized by the appropriate government agency (Correct answer)
- A guide sign installed by traffic engineers only
- A temporary information sign requiring no authorization
Correct answer: A regulatory sign that must be authorized by the appropriate government agency
Regulatory signs in work zones carry the force of law and must be authorized by the jurisdictional authority (state, county, or municipality).
Question 5: On a one-lane, two-way road controlled by flaggers, where is the first advance warning sign placed for each direction?
- At the flagger station in each direction
- In advance of each flagger, at the recommended distance for the posted speed in each direction (Correct answer)
- Only on the primary approach direction
- At the midpoint of the one-lane section
Correct answer: In advance of each flagger, at the recommended distance for the posted speed in each direction
Each direction of approach on a one-lane, two-way road requires its own advance warning signs placed at the recommended distance ahead of the flagger.
Question 6: Which sign would NOT typically appear in the advance warning area of a lane closure?
- Road Work Ahead
- Right Lane Closed Ahead
- End Road Work (Correct answer)
- Flagger Ahead
Correct answer: End Road Work
'End Road Work' signs are placed at the downstream end of the termination area, not in the advance warning area.
Question 7: When should a 'Be Prepared to Stop' sign be used instead of a 'Slow' sign in an advance warning area?
- When work is occurring on a grade
- When traffic may be stopped by a flagger or signal rather than just slowed (Correct answer)
- Only during night operations
- When the work zone exceeds 1 mile in length
Correct answer: When traffic may be stopped by a flagger or signal rather than just slowed
'Be Prepared to Stop' is used when full stops are expected due to flagging or temporary signals; 'Slow' is used when only speed reduction is anticipated.
MOT Advanced Warning Sign Placement 4
A contractor is setting up a mobile operation that moves slowly down a highway.
How does advance warning sign placement differ from a stationary work zone?