In times of emergency, or during road work that does not require an entire roadway to be closed, crews sometimes close all lanes on one side of the road and use the other side of the road to maintain traffic flow at a controlled pace. This maintenance of traffic method is called contraflow.

Contraflow typically takes one of two forms. When it takes place on a two-lane road, flaggers direct traffic in one direction at a time onto the open side of the road. On roads with two or more lanes in each direction, traffic is limited to one side of the road with one lane used for each direction of traffic.

Crews have used contraflow regularly on the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) project. For example, from February 9-11, construction crews used contraflow on Sand Lake Road to provide workers room to facilitate underground drainage repairs. By closing Sand Lake Road’s two westbound lanes under I-4, crews were able to keep traffic flowing using the two eastbound lanes.

Since January, crews have used contraflow during paving operations to keep Turkey Lake Road open to traffic while working on the northbound side.

While the concept may sound straightforward, clear signage and crew instructions are essential to prevent confusion and ensure safety. When properly executed, using contraflow can ensure traffic continues to flow smoothly while keeping drivers safe.