Black on white signs are regulatory – this is the law, not a warning, not a recommendation.

Local traffic only signs

The local traffic only signs are used where through traffic must follow a detour to avoid a closed road some distance beyond the sign, but where local traffic can travel up to point of closure. These will be accompanied by appropriate warning and detour signing.

The sign will carry the legend ROAD CLOSED [distance] MILES AHEAD-LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY in advance of the detour signing, to let drivers know how far ahead the actual road closure is, and that through traffic will not be able to travel through the construction area.

Road closed to thru traffic signs

The ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC sign is used at the beginning of the actual construction work zone, and thru traffic refers to someone traveling to the far end of the work zone, not going to a destination within the work zone. In addition, even those going to a destination within the work zone should enter at the open side street closest to their destination.

The fact is, people who work along Wisconsin’s roads are extremely vulnerable, but not every crash in the zone involves workers. In reality, drivers and their passengers are the most common work zone fatalities. Driving safely protects people working on the road and the people in your own car. Driving safely protects you, so follow the rules, follow the law, and be safer in the zone.