Dual-carriageway begins ahead
Dual-carriageway begins ahead - W118
Road Signs - W118
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Dual-carriageway begins ahead
Category:
Safety Sign Code:
- W118
Product Description
Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead – W118 Road Sign
The W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers that a two-way roadway is ending ahead and that a divided roadway is about to begin. At this point, a physical median island will separate traffic travelling in opposite directions into two one-way roadways.
The warning gives drivers advance information about the upcoming change in road layout so they can prepare to enter the divided section and follow the lane arrangement provided.
What Does the W118 Road Sign Mean?
W118 means Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead. It warns drivers that a physical separation between opposing directions of traffic is about to begin.
The W118 sign is a warning sign. It does not itself impose a speed limit or require drivers to stop. Drivers must continue to observe all applicable speed-limit signs, regulatory signs, road markings and traffic-control instructions.
What Is a Dual Roadway?
A dual roadway is a road arrangement where traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated into two one-way roadways. The separation is normally provided by a physical median island or another suitable form of traffic separation.
Before the dual roadway begins, traffic may operate in both directions on the same roadway. The W118 sign warns drivers that this arrangement is about to change and that a physical median island will begin ahead.
What Does “Straight On” Mean on W118?
The “Straight On” description identifies the particular road alignment represented by W118. According to the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual, W118 is used where the median island begins while the roadway being signed follows the principal alignment of the approach road, whether that alignment is straight or curved.
W119 is used for the corresponding situation where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from the principal alignment of the approach road.
Where Are W118 Signs Used?
W118 signs may be used in advance of locations where a two-way roadway changes to divided-road operation and a median island begins.
Potential applications include:
- Dual-carriageway roads
- Highways
- Freeway approaches
- Divided urban roads
- Rural divided roads
- Roads where a central median begins
- New or upgraded road infrastructure
- Road construction projects
- Temporary traffic arrangements
Why Is the W118 Warning Sign Important?
The beginning of a dual roadway changes how traffic is separated. Drivers who have been travelling on a two-way roadway must adjust to a divided road where opposing traffic is separated by a median island.
Advance warning allows drivers to recognise the upcoming change, prepare for the new lane arrangement and remain alert to the position of the median.
How Should Drivers Respond to a W118 Sign?
Drivers approaching a W118 sign should remain alert to the upcoming change from two-way traffic to divided-road operation.
Drivers should:
- Adjust their speed to the road and traffic conditions.
- Watch for the beginning of the median island.
- Follow lane markings and road markings.
- Remain in the correct lane.
- Observe any applicable speed-limit signs.
- Watch for other vehicles changing lanes.
- Follow all additional traffic-control signs provided at the transition.
W118 Sign Placement
The W118 sign should be displayed in advance of the point where the physical median island begins so that approaching drivers have sufficient time to recognise the warning and prepare for the change in roadway arrangement.
The applicable advance-warning distance should take account of operating speed, sight distance, road geometry and other conditions at the particular location. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual provides specific guidance for locating W118 and W119 signs in relation to the beginning of the dual roadway.
The sign should be clearly visible to approaching traffic and should not be obstructed by vegetation, buildings, advertising boards or other roadside objects.
W118 Sign Design and Colours
The permanent W118 warning sign uses the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: White retroreflective
A temporary version, TW118, is also specified. The temporary sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background.
W118 and W119
W118 and W119 both warn that a dual roadway is beginning, but they represent different road alignments.
- W118: Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead.
- W119: Beginning of Dual Roadway where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from the principal alignment.
The correct warning sign should be selected according to the actual road geometry at the location.
W118 and Freeways
W118 may be encountered on approaches to divided roadways, including certain highway and freeway environments. The sign is concerned with the physical beginning of a dual roadway rather than with establishing freeway status.
Where a separate regulatory sign designates a road as a freeway, that regulatory sign serves a different purpose. W118 should therefore not be treated as a freeway-begins sign simply because it may be installed on an approach to a freeway.
W118 During Roadworks
The temporary TW118 sign may be particularly appropriate during roadworks where traffic is temporarily diverted through a median island or where a normal divided-road arrangement is being restored at the end of a construction area.
Temporary W118 signage should form part of the wider temporary traffic-management arrangement, together with any other warning, regulatory and direction signs required for the work zone.
W118 Compared with End of Dual Roadway Signs
W118 is used when a dual roadway is beginning, while W116 and W117 are used to warn that a dual roadway is ending.
- W116/W117: End of Dual Roadway.
- W118/W119: Beginning of Dual Roadway.
These signs describe opposite changes in the road arrangement and should be selected according to the actual traffic layout.
W118 Signs in South Africa
The W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system. Where used on a public road, the sign should be selected, manufactured and installed according to the applicable South African road traffic sign standards and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Similar warning signage may also be used on private roads, residential estates, commercial properties, industrial sites and other controlled areas where it forms part of an appropriate internal traffic-management arrangement.
Who May Need W118 Signs?
W118 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in road construction, maintenance, infrastructure development and traffic management, including:
- Municipalities
- Road authorities
- Road construction contractors
- Traffic-management contractors
- Highway and freeway contractors
- Infrastructure developers
- Road maintenance teams
- Property developers
- Industrial developments
- Private road operators
Benefits of Clear Beginning of Dual Roadway Warning Signs
- Warns drivers that a divided roadway is beginning.
- Provides advance information about the upcoming median island.
- Helps drivers prepare for separate traffic lanes.
- Draws attention to the change from two-way to divided-road operation.
- Can support organised traffic management at road transitions.
- Can be used in temporary traffic arrangements during roadworks.
Frequently Asked Questions About W118 Road Signs
What does W118 mean?
W118 means Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead. It warns drivers that a two-way roadway is ending and that a physical median island is about to begin.
Is W118 a warning sign?
Yes. W118 provides advance warning of the beginning of a dual roadway.
Does W118 mean that I must stop?
No. W118 is a warning sign and does not itself require drivers to stop. Drivers must continue to follow all applicable traffic-control signs, road markings and speed limits.
What is the difference between W118 and W119?
W118 is used where the roadway continues on the principal alignment of the approach road. W119 is used where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from that principal alignment.
Does W118 mean that a freeway begins?
No. W118 warns about the beginning of a dual roadway. A separate regulatory freeway sign is used where a roadway is being designated as a freeway.
Is there a temporary W118 sign?
Yes. TW118 is the temporary version and may be particularly appropriate during roadworks where a temporary change to divided-road operation occurs.
What happens after the dual roadway begins?
Opposing directions of traffic are separated by a physical median island, creating two one-way roadways. Drivers should remain within the lane arrangement provided and follow all applicable signs and markings.
Can Signs4SA supply W118 signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead signs and other warning, regulatory, traffic-management and road signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.
Order W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway Signs
Need W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead signs for a road project, highway, freeway approach, roadworks site, residential development, commercial property or traffic-management application?
Contact Signs4SA to discuss your signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.
One important feature of Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs is their high visibility. These signs are designed to be easily seen by drivers, even from a distance and in adverse weather conditions. Many Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs are also designed with reflective materials that make them visible at night.
Another important feature of Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs is their durability. Road signs are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. As such, they need to be made from materials that can withstand these conditions and remain in good condition for years to come.
More About Dual-carriageway begins ahead
Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead – W118 Road Sign
The W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers that a two-way roadway is ending ahead and that a divided roadway is about to begin. At this point, a physical median island will separate traffic travelling in opposite directions into two one-way roadways.
The warning gives drivers advance information about the upcoming change in road layout so they can prepare to enter the divided section and follow the lane arrangement provided.
What Does the W118 Road Sign Mean?
W118 means Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead. It warns drivers that a physical separation between opposing directions of traffic is about to begin.
The W118 sign is a warning sign. It does not itself impose a speed limit or require drivers to stop. Drivers must continue to observe all applicable speed-limit signs, regulatory signs, road markings and traffic-control instructions.
What Is a Dual Roadway?
A dual roadway is a road arrangement where traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated into two one-way roadways. The separation is normally provided by a physical median island or another suitable form of traffic separation.
Before the dual roadway begins, traffic may operate in both directions on the same roadway. The W118 sign warns drivers that this arrangement is about to change and that a physical median island will begin ahead.
What Does “Straight On” Mean on W118?
The “Straight On” description identifies the particular road alignment represented by W118. According to the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual, W118 is used where the median island begins while the roadway being signed follows the principal alignment of the approach road, whether that alignment is straight or curved.
W119 is used for the corresponding situation where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from the principal alignment of the approach road.
Where Are W118 Signs Used?
W118 signs may be used in advance of locations where a two-way roadway changes to divided-road operation and a median island begins.
Potential applications include:
- Dual-carriageway roads
- Highways
- Freeway approaches
- Divided urban roads
- Rural divided roads
- Roads where a central median begins
- New or upgraded road infrastructure
- Road construction projects
- Temporary traffic arrangements
Why Is the W118 Warning Sign Important?
The beginning of a dual roadway changes how traffic is separated. Drivers who have been travelling on a two-way roadway must adjust to a divided road where opposing traffic is separated by a median island.
Advance warning allows drivers to recognise the upcoming change, prepare for the new lane arrangement and remain alert to the position of the median.
How Should Drivers Respond to a W118 Sign?
Drivers approaching a W118 sign should remain alert to the upcoming change from two-way traffic to divided-road operation.
Drivers should:
- Adjust their speed to the road and traffic conditions.
- Watch for the beginning of the median island.
- Follow lane markings and road markings.
- Remain in the correct lane.
- Observe any applicable speed-limit signs.
- Watch for other vehicles changing lanes.
- Follow all additional traffic-control signs provided at the transition.
W118 Sign Placement
The W118 sign should be displayed in advance of the point where the physical median island begins so that approaching drivers have sufficient time to recognise the warning and prepare for the change in roadway arrangement.
The applicable advance-warning distance should take account of operating speed, sight distance, road geometry and other conditions at the particular location. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual provides specific guidance for locating W118 and W119 signs in relation to the beginning of the dual roadway.
The sign should be clearly visible to approaching traffic and should not be obstructed by vegetation, buildings, advertising boards or other roadside objects.
W118 Sign Design and Colours
The permanent W118 warning sign uses the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:
- Triangle: Red retroreflective
- Symbol: Black semi-matt
- Background: White retroreflective
A temporary version, TW118, is also specified. The temporary sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background.
W118 and W119
W118 and W119 both warn that a dual roadway is beginning, but they represent different road alignments.
- W118: Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead.
- W119: Beginning of Dual Roadway where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from the principal alignment.
The correct warning sign should be selected according to the actual road geometry at the location.
W118 and Freeways
W118 may be encountered on approaches to divided roadways, including certain highway and freeway environments. The sign is concerned with the physical beginning of a dual roadway rather than with establishing freeway status.
Where a separate regulatory sign designates a road as a freeway, that regulatory sign serves a different purpose. W118 should therefore not be treated as a freeway-begins sign simply because it may be installed on an approach to a freeway.
W118 During Roadworks
The temporary TW118 sign may be particularly appropriate during roadworks where traffic is temporarily diverted through a median island or where a normal divided-road arrangement is being restored at the end of a construction area.
Temporary W118 signage should form part of the wider temporary traffic-management arrangement, together with any other warning, regulatory and direction signs required for the work zone.
W118 Compared with End of Dual Roadway Signs
W118 is used when a dual roadway is beginning, while W116 and W117 are used to warn that a dual roadway is ending.
- W116/W117: End of Dual Roadway.
- W118/W119: Beginning of Dual Roadway.
These signs describe opposite changes in the road arrangement and should be selected according to the actual traffic layout.
W118 Signs in South Africa
The W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system. Where used on a public road, the sign should be selected, manufactured and installed according to the applicable South African road traffic sign standards and the requirements of the responsible road authority.
Similar warning signage may also be used on private roads, residential estates, commercial properties, industrial sites and other controlled areas where it forms part of an appropriate internal traffic-management arrangement.
Who May Need W118 Signs?
W118 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in road construction, maintenance, infrastructure development and traffic management, including:
- Municipalities
- Road authorities
- Road construction contractors
- Traffic-management contractors
- Highway and freeway contractors
- Infrastructure developers
- Road maintenance teams
- Property developers
- Industrial developments
- Private road operators
Benefits of Clear Beginning of Dual Roadway Warning Signs
- Warns drivers that a divided roadway is beginning.
- Provides advance information about the upcoming median island.
- Helps drivers prepare for separate traffic lanes.
- Draws attention to the change from two-way to divided-road operation.
- Can support organised traffic management at road transitions.
- Can be used in temporary traffic arrangements during roadworks.
Frequently Asked Questions About W118 Road Signs
What does W118 mean?
W118 means Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead. It warns drivers that a two-way roadway is ending and that a physical median island is about to begin.
Is W118 a warning sign?
Yes. W118 provides advance warning of the beginning of a dual roadway.
Does W118 mean that I must stop?
No. W118 is a warning sign and does not itself require drivers to stop. Drivers must continue to follow all applicable traffic-control signs, road markings and speed limits.
What is the difference between W118 and W119?
W118 is used where the roadway continues on the principal alignment of the approach road. W119 is used where the roadway being signed deviates to the left from that principal alignment.
Does W118 mean that a freeway begins?
No. W118 warns about the beginning of a dual roadway. A separate regulatory freeway sign is used where a roadway is being designated as a freeway.
Is there a temporary W118 sign?
Yes. TW118 is the temporary version and may be particularly appropriate during roadworks where a temporary change to divided-road operation occurs.
What happens after the dual roadway begins?
Opposing directions of traffic are separated by a physical median island, creating two one-way roadways. Drivers should remain within the lane arrangement provided and follow all applicable signs and markings.
Can Signs4SA supply W118 signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead signs and other warning, regulatory, traffic-management and road signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.
Order W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway Signs
Need W118 Beginning of Dual Roadway (Straight On) Ahead signs for a road project, highway, freeway approach, roadworks site, residential development, commercial property or traffic-management application?
Contact Signs4SA to discuss your signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.
One popular type of road sign is the Dual-carriageway begins ahead sign. This type of sign is used to provide drivers with important information about the road ahead, such as directions, speed limits, and potential hazards.
Dual-carriageway begins ahead_ signs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made from a range of materials, including metal, plastic, and reflective materials. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular roadway or location, including the addition of logos, graphics, and text.
One important feature of Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs is their high visibility. These signs are designed to be easily seen by drivers, even from a distance and in adverse weather conditions. Many Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs are also designed with reflective materials that make them visible at night.
Another important feature of Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs is their durability. Road signs are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. As such, they need to be made from materials that can withstand these conditions and remain in good condition for years to come.
For businesses and organizations that need to create custom road signs, working with a reputable sign company can ensure that their signs are of high quality and meet all necessary standards and regulations. Signs4sa can provide expert advice on design, materials, and installation, and can help businesses ensure that their signs are installed safely and effectively.
Overall, Dual-carriageway begins ahead signs are an important tool for ensuring road safety and providing drivers with the information they need to navigate effectively. By working with a professional sign company to create and install these signs, businesses and organizations can help ensure that their messages are seen and understood by drivers, and help to improve safety on the road.