SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-orange-work-zone

What does an orange sign with black letters tell you?

A work zone: road work or maintenance is ahead.

  1. A school is ahead
  2. Road work is ahead ✔
  3. A tourist attraction is ahead

Why: Orange is the color of temporary traffic control, meaning construction and maintenance. Slow down, watch for workers and follow flaggers.

Huh, didn't know that: Work-zone warning signs normally use the same diamond shape as other warning signs.

The dad joke
Why did the orange cone get promoted? It was outstanding in its field.
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References

Answer: Road work is ahead. Orange is the color of temporary traffic control, meaning construction and maintenance. Slow down, watch for workers and follow flaggers.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    COLOR: Orange, with black letters or symbols.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 6H.01 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    TTC warning signs shall be diamond-shaped
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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