Signal & sign meanings
Lane use signs
We use freeway management systems to change speed limits, close lanes and provide travel information in response to what’s happening on the road.
Sometimes we need to lower speed limits or close lanes to ensure the safety of drivers, response teams or our road workers.
For everyone’s safety and by law, drivers must stick to the set legal speed limit and not drive in closed lanes.
What do lane use signs mean?
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If the lane control device is showing an arrow pointing down, or a speed limit sign, you can continue driving in that lane, driving at or below the speed on the sign |
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If the lane control device is showing a downwards arrow indicating a direction, this means the lane is closed ahead and that you must change lanes in the direction advised when safe to do so. |
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If the lane control device is showing an upwards arrow indicating a direction, this indicates that you may only drive in the lane to exit the freeway |
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If the lane control device is showing a red cross, you must not drive in that lane past that point. |
How the signs work
In the above example, starting at the bottom of the figure, the Variable Message Sign (VMS) alerts of an incident ahead and that motorists will be directed to merge left.
As the driver gets closer to the incident, the lane use signs provide additional information regarding lane closures and reduced speed limits. Once drivers pass the incident, the signs indicate all lanes are again open.
These signs are used anytime there are lane closures or reduced speed limits due to a hazard or roadworks to ensure the safety of all road users and workers.
Tunnel signs
In addition to the signs above, tunnels have a few extra signs you should be aware of:
Proceed with caution
Emergency exit
Help phone