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Work Zones 101

A work zone with barricades and a road closed ahead sign.
Department of Transportation

Work Zones 101

Work zones play a significant and important role in building and maintaining our state's roads and bridges. To keep Michigan's road crews safe and free from injury and death, it is important to understand the how and why of work zones.

Travel with us as we explain the different aspects of a work zone and why slower speeds and following signs can save lives!

Download the Work Zones 101 brochure

Work zone roadmap stop nine.


Screen shot of MDOT's Mi Drive construction and traffic application.
A cement mixer, work zone barrier, clock and clip board depict the staging and the start of construction.
Work Zone 101 Stop 3 showing merging signs in a work zone.
A portable changeable message sign board that reads Road Work Ahead and two static work zone signs.
Reduce Speed Ahead with police car lights.
A graphic of a car with duct tape and wrenches near.

Closure types

Work zone traffic plans are designed to allow enough room for the construction work to take place AND protect workers and road users. Engineers review each project and select the most appropriate closure option based on traffic volume, location, type of work, and other factors.

Single-lane closures
A single-lane closure is the most common type of closure. This type of closure allows motorists to use the road while the road work is taking place. You may have encountered a lane closure, new concrete, and no workers. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about it – we are just letting the concrete cure! Concrete requires a specific amount of time to harden and strengthen before traffic can drive on it again. 

Nighttime and weekend lane closures
Work that occurs at night or during weekends is usually done because traffic volumes are lower, which means fewer traffic backups and delays.

Total closures
A total or full closure means the road is closed and an alternative route must be used. A total closure may be used for projects such as bridge moves, beam setting, and full reconstructions. Total closures help improve the safety of workers and motorists, reduce congestion, delays, and crashes, as well as expedite project completion.

Watch an MDOT bridge move with a total closure
A graphic of work zone equipment.
A graphic of an active work zone with equipment, barricades, and signs.