Temporary sign
Sharp bends on temporary road sign
What does the Sharp bends on temporary road sign mean?
Warns of sharp bends where traffic is diverted onto a temporary road for a short distance.
Also known as: Temporary deviation sign, Lane shift sign
What it means
Sharp bends ahead where traffic is diverted onto a temporary road. The number of lanes stays the same.
The arrows show the shape of the temporary route. Three arrows show that three lanes continue.
Slow down and follow the lane. Do not change lanes in the diversion.
Where you'll see it
On the approach to temporary diversions at road works.
Rules to know
Sharp bends ahead where traffic is diverted onto a temporary road for a short distance: the number of traffic lanes remains the same.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 160
Common mistakes
Mistake: Taking the bends at the speed of the open road.
Instead: Slow down for the bends and stay in your lane.
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© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
See also
Red X: lane closed
Motorway sign
Lane closures are common within road works.
See also
Road works
Temporary sign
The general warning for road works.
More temporary signs
All temporary signs
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- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Road works and temporary signs, p. 160
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 7221). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content