A Lane Status sign gives advance warning of which lanes on a multilane road are closed or altered ahead. It is built from two symbols: an arrow for a lane that is open, and a T symbol for a lane that is closed, one symbol per lane, and AS 1742.3 requires the total number of symbols to equal the number of traffic lanes at the sign position. Because the sign is symbol-per-lane, it suits a modular approach. UAGS 300x600mm corflute partial panels each carry one lane's symbol, so a crew builds the exact configuration a site needs in a multi message frame instead of carrying a different pre-made sign for every road layout.
In this article
- What is a Lane Status sign and when is it used?
- How do you read the symbols?
- How do the modular partial panels work?
- When does a pre-made panel make sense?
- What carries the build?
- Frequently asked questions
What is a Lane Status sign and when is it used?
Under AS 1742.3, the Lane Status sign (T2-6, with the TM10 series panels for multi message frames) shall be used to give advance warning where one or more lanes of a multilane roadway is closed, or where the direction a lane leads to (left turn, through or right turn) is altered. The standard draws two hard boundaries around it: the sign shall not be used for any other purpose, and it shall not be used in place of properly signing and delineating the closure itself. The cones, bollards and closure signs still do their jobs; the Lane Status sign is the advance notice.
Placement is also prescribed. The sign goes on both sides of a multilane road, except where that is impractical, such as on a narrow median, in which case alternative action is taken so road users in every lane know about the change ahead.
How do you read the symbols?
Every Lane Status sign is a row of symbols, one per lane, read left to right as the lanes sit on the road. An arrow means the lane is open and shows where it leads. A T symbol, with its horizontal bar, means the lane is closed ahead. The standard uses the sign in two ways: a simple indication of which lane is closed, with plain vertical arrows, or an intersection format that shows what happens to each lane, including turn lanes. Where an additional lane develops beyond the sign, it does not have to be shown, but if it is, its arrow or T symbol includes a black cut-out to mark it as a developing lane.
How do the modular partial panels work?
Each UAGS partial panel is a 300x600mm corflute panel carrying one lane's symbol. Set side by side in a multi message frame, the partials build the full sign: two partials make a two-lane sign the size of a standard 600x600mm A panel, and four across make a 1200x600mm C-size sign. Those are also the standard's limits, an A size panel shows no more than two lanes and a C size panel no more than four, with panels combined where more lanes need showing.
Three configuration rules keep a build correct. The total number of arrow and T shafts must equal the number of lanes at the sign position. A turning arrow is never combined with a T symbol in a single lane. And the configuration for any site comes from the traffic guidance scheme, the partials just mean the right sign can be built from stock on hand.
| Partial panel | What it shows for the lane | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Ahead Open | Open, straight ahead | CF36AS |
| Lane Closed Ahead (T) | Closed ahead | CF36LC |
| Left Turn Lane Ahead Open | Open, left turn | CF36AL |
| Right Turn Lane Ahead Open | Open, right turn | CF36AR |
| Left Turn Lane Closed Ahead | Left turn closed | CF36LTC |
| Right Turn Lane Closed Ahead | Right turn closed | CF36RTC |
| Lane Ahead Open, Left Turn Closed | Through open, left turn closed | CF36ASTL |
| Lane Closed Ahead, Left Turn Open | Through closed, left turn open | CF36TAL |
| Lane Closed Ahead, Right Turn Open | Through closed, right turn open | CF36TAR |
| Lane Ahead & Left Turn Open | Through and left turn open | CF36ASAL |
| Lane Ahead & Right Turn Open | Through and right turn open | CF36ASAR |
The modularity also covers the classic two-lane signs. Left Lane of 2 Lanes Closed (TM10-3A) is a T partial beside an arrow partial; Right Lane of 2 Lanes Closed (TM10-4A) is the same pair reversed. Two partials from the rack replace either sign on the spot.
The straight arrow that marks an open lane. One partial per lane, combined in a frame to build the sign.
The T symbol that marks a lane closed ahead. Pair it with arrow partials to build any closure configuration.
When does a pre-made panel make sense?
For messages a crew runs constantly, a single full-size panel is one less thing to assemble. The 600x600mm Lane Closed Ahead T panel covers the most common single-lane message in one piece, and the Bicycle Lane Closed TM8-16A panel does the same for bike lane closures. The trade-off is flexibility: a pre-made panel is one configuration forever, while a rack of partials is all of them.
The full 600x600mm T panel for the most common lane closure message, ready to drop straight into a frame.
What carries the build?
The partials and panels live in a steel multi message frame. Frame 1 holds two 600x600mm positions over a 1200x300mm position, which means two lanes of partials side by side in the upper positions, or a full 1200x600mm four-lane arrangement built across them. The A and C panel limits from the standard apply to whatever is built: two lanes on an A-size face, four on a C-size face.
Holds two 600x600mm panels with a 1200x300mm panel below, or one 1200x600mm build across the top positions. Legs sold separately.
Frequently asked questions
What does the T symbol on a lane status sign mean?
The T symbol, with its horizontal bar, means that lane is closed ahead. An arrow means the lane is open and shows the direction it leads. Each symbol represents a single lane.
How many lanes can a lane status sign show in a multi message frame?
Under AS 1742.3, an A size (600x600mm) panel shows no more than two lanes and a C size (1200x600mm) panel no more than four. Panels may be combined to show more lanes.
Do the symbols have to match the number of lanes on the road?
Yes. The total number of arrow and T symbol shafts at the bottom of the sign must equal the number of traffic lanes at the sign's position. A lane that develops beyond the sign may be left off, or shown with a black cut-out symbol.
Can a turning arrow and a T symbol share one lane?
No. AS 1742.3 states a turning arrow shall not be combined with a T symbol in a single lane. Each lane's symbol is either an arrow or a T.
Do lane status signs replace cones and delineation at the closure?
No. The standard is explicit that the Lane Status sign gives advance warning only and shall not be used in place of adequate signing and delineation of the closure itself.
Which side of the road does a lane status sign go on?
Both sides of a multilane road, except where impractical, such as a narrow median, in which case alternative action is taken so road users in all lanes are aware of the change.
Build your lane status kit
Eleven modular partial panels, pre-made full panels and the frames that carry them. Trade pricing available. Pickup from Bayswater North VIC or delivery Australia-wide.
Browse 300x600mm Corflute Panels →Selection, combination and placement of temporary traffic management signs remain subject to the applicable TMP, TGS, site conditions and relevant authority requirements. This article is general information for the Australian market, not traffic management design advice.