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Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead – W213 Road Sign

The W213 Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers travelling within a one-way street network that the next crossroad carries two-way traffic.

The sign provides advance warning of a change in traffic direction at the upcoming crossroad. It helps drivers prepare for vehicles that may approach from the opposite direction on the intersecting road.

What Does the W213 Road Sign Mean?

W213 means Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead. It warns road users travelling on a one-way roadway or within a one-way street system that the next crossroad operates with traffic travelling in both directions.

W213 is a warning sign. It does not itself require drivers to stop or yield. Drivers must follow any applicable stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, road markings and other traffic-control instructions at the crossroad.

What Is a Two-Way Traffic Crossroad?

A two-way traffic crossroad is an intersecting road where vehicles are permitted to travel in both directions.

This is different from the one-way roadway on which the approaching driver may currently be travelling. The change becomes important because vehicles can approach the intersection from the opposite direction on the crossroad.

Where Is W213 Used?

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that W213 should be used in urban areas at the limits of urban one-way street systems when a subsequent cross-street operates under two-way traffic conditions.

It may commonly be required where a one-way street intersects a two-way street. In such circumstances, the sign should be displayed on both sides of the one-way roadway. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C3.pdf))

Potential applications include:

• Urban one-way street networks
• Central business districts
• City-centre streets
• One-way roads approaching two-way crossroads
• Urban traffic-management schemes
• Temporary changes to traffic flow during roadworks

Why Is the W213 Warning Sign Important?

A driver travelling on a one-way street may not expect the intersecting road ahead to carry traffic in both directions. W213 provides advance information about this change in traffic arrangement.

This can help drivers become alert to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction when they reach the crossroad and prepare for the applicable intersection controls.

How Should Drivers Respond to a W213 Sign?

Drivers approaching a W213 sign should prepare for the two-way traffic crossroad ahead and remain alert to traffic approaching from either direction.

Drivers should:

• Adjust their speed where appropriate.
• Watch for vehicles approaching from both directions on the crossroad.
• Observe stop and give-way signs.
• Follow traffic signals and road markings.
• Be prepared to stop where required.
• Check carefully before entering or crossing the intersection.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists where applicable.

W213 Sign Placement

The W213 sign should be located at least 60 metres in advance of the crossroad. Where this distance is less than half a city block, the sign may preferably be positioned up to half a city block in advance.

Where a one-way roadway intersects a two-way street, W213 should be displayed on both sides of the one-way roadway.

The sign should remain clearly visible to approaching traffic and should not be obstructed by trees, buildings, advertising boards, parked vehicles or other roadside objects. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C3.pdf))

W213 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent W213 warning sign follows the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: White retroreflective

The sign symbol represents the two-way traffic condition that applies to the crossroad ahead. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4C3.pdf))

Temporary W213 Sign

A temporary version, TW213, is also specified for temporary traffic arrangements.

TW213 may be used on an intersecting side road where the roadway ahead, normally a one-way roadway, is temporarily operating as a two-way roadway as part of a roadworks detour.

The temporary design uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C3.pdf))

W213 and W212

W213 and W212 both relate to two-way traffic, but they have different applications.

• W212: Two-Way Traffic Ahead. Warns that a one-way roadway is changing to a roadway carrying traffic in both directions.
• W213: Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead. Warns that the next crossroad in a one-way street network carries two-way traffic.

The correct sign should be selected according to the actual traffic arrangement at the location.

W213 and One-Way Street Networks

W213 is specifically associated with urban one-way street systems. Its purpose is not to provide a general warning about every two-way road intersection.

The sign is useful where the one-way character of the surrounding street network could otherwise make the two-way operation of the upcoming crossroad less obvious to approaching drivers.

W213 During Roadworks

The temporary TW213 sign may be used where roadworks or a temporary traffic diversion causes a roadway that would normally operate as one-way to temporarily carry two-way traffic.

Temporary W213 signage should form part of the wider work-zone traffic-management arrangement, together with any other warning, regulatory and directional signs required for the temporary road layout.

W213 Sign Visibility and Materials

Outdoor W213 signs should be manufactured using materials suitable for the environment in which they will be installed.

For public-road applications, the sign's dimensions, design, mounting arrangement, colours and retroreflective characteristics should comply with the applicable South African road traffic sign requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

Retroreflective materials can help improve visibility when the sign is illuminated by vehicle headlights at night.

W213 Signs in South Africa

The W213 Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.

Where W213 is used on a public road, its application, design, placement and installation should follow 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, commercial properties, residential developments and other controlled areas where it forms part of an appropriate internal traffic-management arrangement.

Who May Need W213 Signs?

W213 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in urban traffic management and road infrastructure, including:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Traffic-management contractors
• Road construction contractors
• Urban infrastructure projects
• Property developers
• Commercial developments
• Business districts
• Residential developments
• Road maintenance contractors

Benefits of Clear Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Warning Signs

• Warns drivers that the next crossroad carries two-way traffic.
• Provides advance information within a one-way street network.
• Alerts drivers to possible opposing traffic at the crossroad.
• Gives drivers time to prepare for the intersection.
• Can be particularly useful in urban one-way street systems.
• Supports clear traffic management at intersections.

Frequently Asked Questions About W213 Road Signs

What does W213 mean?

W213 means Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead. It warns drivers in a one-way street network that the next crossroad carries traffic in both directions.

Is W213 a warning sign?

Yes. W213 is an advance warning sign for a two-way traffic crossroad.

Does W213 mean that I must stop?

No. W213 is a warning sign and does not itself require drivers to stop. Drivers must follow the traffic-control instructions that apply at the crossroad.

Where is W213 normally used?

It is intended for urban one-way street systems where a subsequent crossroad carries two-way traffic.

How far before the crossroad should W213 be placed?

The SARTSM specifies that W213 should be located at least 60 metres before the crossroad, with a preferred greater distance where appropriate within the city-block layout.

Should W213 be displayed on both sides of the roadway?

Where a one-way roadway intersects a two-way street, W213 should be displayed on both sides of the one-way roadway.

What is the difference between W212 and W213?

W212 warns that the roadway itself is changing from one-way to two-way traffic, while W213 warns that the next crossroad carries two-way traffic.

Is there a temporary W213 sign?

Yes. TW213 may be used where a roadway is temporarily operating as two-way traffic as part of a roadworks detour.

Can Signs4SA supply W213 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W213 Two-Way Traffic Crossroad 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 W213 Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Warning Signs

Need W213 Two-Way Traffic Crossroad Ahead signs for an urban road project, one-way street network, commercial development, roadworks site or traffic-management application?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Two-way traffic crossing ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Two-way traffic crossing ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Two-way traffic crossing ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Two-way traffic crossing ahead

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Two-way traffic crossing ahead sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Two-way traffic crossing ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Two-way traffic crossing ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Two-way traffic crossing ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

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