Multi message signs (MMS) are modular corflute traffic sign panels displayed together in a steel frame, so one frame can carry a complete roadwork message and the panels can be swapped as the job changes. They are the standard way Australian traffic crews sign short-term roadworks: a ROAD WORK AHEAD panel, a speed panel and a supporting message go into one frame at the roadside instead of three separate standalone signs. This guide explains the panel sizes from A to E, the minimum combinations described in AS 1742.3, what fills unused slots, and how to build a panel kit that covers real jobs.
In this article
- What are multi message signs?
- What sizes do corflute panels come in?
- What is the minimum panel combination?
- What fills the unused slots in a frame?
- Why corflute instead of aluminium?
- How should panels be mounted and looked after?
- How do you choose panels for a job?
- Frequently asked questions
What are multi message signs?
A multi message sign is a display built from interchangeable panels rather than a single fixed sign face. The panels slide into a black steel multi message frame, and the combination of panels forms the message a road user sees: advance warning, speed, instruction or direction.
The panel codes tell you the family. TM, RM, WM and GM series panels are designated for use in multi message frames under AS 1742.3, covering temporary warning (TM), regulatory (RM), hazard warning (WM) and guide (GM) messages. The equivalent standalone signs are separate T, R, W and G series signs. So a ROAD WORK AHEAD corflute panel carries the code TM1-1A, while the full-size standalone version of the same message is a T series sign.
Because the message is built from parts, one vehicle can carry a compact library of panels and sign dozens of different situations. That is the whole point of the system, and it is why traffic control companies, civil contractors, councils and utility crews standardised on it.
The 600x600mm advance warning panel most kits are built around. 6mm UV stabilised corflute with Class 400T retroreflective yellow sheeting.
What sizes do corflute panels come in?
AS 1742.3 gives each panel size a letter designation, and the letter appears as the suffix on the sign code, which is how you read a code like TM1-1A (600x600mm) against TM1-1B (1200x300mm) or TM1-1C (1200x600mm):
| Designation | Panel size | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| A | 600 x 600mm | The standard square panel, upper frame positions |
| B | 1200 x 300mm | Wide combination panel, lower frame position |
| C | 1200 x 600mm | Large panel spanning both upper positions |
| D | 600 x 900mm | Tall panel, used in dedicated D-size frames |
| E | 600 x 300mm | Small supplementary panel |
UAGS prints all corflute panels on 6mm UV stabilised corflute with Class 400T retroreflective sheeting. You may still see older Class 1 or Class 1W references in legacy documents; Class 400 series wording is the current terminology for work-zone sign sheeting.
What is the minimum panel combination?
A multi message display facing traffic is not a single small panel on its own. AS 1742.3 describes a minimum of two 600x600mm panels, one 600x600mm with one 1200x300mm panel, or one 1200x600mm panel, with blank yellow panels filling unused modules. The exception is signs controlling pedestrians only, which may run in compact arrangements.
Two other rules shape most layouts. B-size panels are combination panels, normally displayed with 600x600mm panels rather than alone. And no more than one regulatory panel goes on a frame face, placed in the top position on the side closest to traffic, which is why a speed panel always takes that spot.
Combination requirements vary by state (NSW in particular applies stricter multi-message rules), so the arrangement should always be confirmed against the applicable TGS and road authority requirements.
Holds two 600x600mm panels with a 1200x300mm panel below, or one 1200x600mm panel across the top positions. Legs sold separately.
What fills the unused slots in a frame?
Blank retroreflective yellow panels. When a layout only needs one message panel plus the minimum display, the empty module is filled with a blank so the frame face is complete and reads as one sign rather than a half-empty rack. Queensland allows a maximum of one blank panel per assembly, which is a good example of why the state caveat matters.
Blanks are the quiet workhorse of a panel kit. Crews chew through them, they get used on every frame that is not fully loaded, and they take the same weather and handling as the message panels. UAGS stocks them in 600x600mm, 1200x300mm and 1200x600mm.
The 600x600mm blank that completes a frame face. Also stocked in 1200x300mm and 1200x600mm.
Why corflute instead of aluminium?
Corflute wins on temporary work because it is light, cheap to replace and fast to handle. A 600x600mm panel weighs about 600 grams, so a crew member can carry a stack of them, and a full panel library fits in a vehicle racking cage. Aluminium earns its keep where a sign stays up for months or takes repeated physical abuse.
| Corflute panels | Aluminium signs | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short-term works, daily setup and pack-down | Long-term worksites, semi-permanent signage |
| Weight (600x600) | About 600g | Several kilograms with fittings |
| Damage response | Replace the panel cheaply | Repair or re-sheet |
| Message flexibility | Swap panels in the frame as the job changes | Fixed message per sign |
How should panels be mounted and looked after?
A corflute panel does its job when it is flat, clean and facing approaching traffic squarely. Reflective performance at night depends on the sheeting returning headlight beam to the driver, so a bowed, dirty or creased panel is a faded message exactly when it matters most. Mount panels in a proper multi message frame, check them through the shift for movement and wind damage, and replace any panel whose face is no longer clear.
One related job on many sites is dealing with existing permanent signs inside the work zone that contradict the temporary arrangement, such as a permanent speed sign standing inside a temporary speed zone. Purpose-made cover-up clips hold a corflute cover panel over the face of a permanent aluminium sign without tape residue or drilled holes, and come off just as quickly when the site is restored. They are not used on panels in multi message frames, where a panel that no longer applies is simply swapped out. Covering permanent regulatory signage should always be confirmed against the TGS and relevant road authority requirements.
Clip a corflute cover panel over a contradicting permanent sign in seconds, no tape, no damage to the sign underneath.
How do you choose panels for a job?
Start from the traffic guidance scheme, not the catalogue. The TGS names the messages a site needs, and the panels follow from it. From there, a practical kit covers the recurring jobs: advance warning panels (Road Work Ahead, Prepare To Stop, Traffic Controller symbolic), the speed panels your sites commonly run, detour and direction panels, and enough blanks to complete every frame you carry.
Two things make the choosing easier on our site. Every UAGS panel listing shows its verified sign code, size designation and a downloadable spec sheet, and the "pairs well with" products on each listing follow the same combination logic described above, so the partner panels are one click away. If a job calls for a legend we do not stock, custom panels can be printed to order.
Frequently asked questions
What are multi message signs?
Multi message signs are modular corflute panels displayed together in a steel frame so that one frame carries a complete temporary traffic management message. The panels are interchangeable, which lets one frame and a library of panels sign many different situations.
What do the letters in corflute sign codes mean?
The suffix letter is the size designation under AS 1742.3: A is 600x600mm, B is 1200x300mm, C is 1200x600mm, D is 600x900mm and E is 600x300mm. So TM1-1A and TM1-1C are the same ROAD WORK AHEAD message in two sizes.
What is the minimum panel combination for a multi message frame?
AS 1742.3 describes a minimum of two 600x600mm panels, one 600x600mm with one 1200x300mm panel, or one 1200x600mm panel, with blank yellow panels filling unused modules. Requirements vary by state, so confirm the combination against the applicable TGS and road authority requirements.
Can a 1200x300mm panel be displayed on its own?
1200x300mm panels are combination panels that normally display with 600x600mm panels in a full multi message frame. The standalone equivalents are separate T series signs. The exception is pedestrian-only control, where compact arrangements may be used where specified.
Are corflute signs used as permanent road signs?
No. Corflute panels are temporary traffic management equipment. Permanent and long-term signage is generally aluminium or similar durable material.
What reflective sheeting do corflute traffic panels use?
UAGS panels use Class 400T retroreflective sheeting, the current terminology for work-zone sign sheeting. Older Class 1 and Class 1W references still appear in legacy documents, and project specifications should be checked where a particular sheeting class is called for.
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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.