What Is an Aluminum Traffic Sign?
For decades, aluminum traffic signs have been the industry standard on U.S. roadways. Solid aluminum sign blanks provide durability, strength, and compatibility with reflective sheeting — making them the material of choice for many permanent regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Alongside ACM signs, aluminum remains a cornerstone of modern traffic control.How Aluminum Traffic Signs Are Made
Aluminum signs are produced from solid aluminum sheet — often alloys such as 5052-H38 or 6061-T6 — rolled to a specified thickness. These blanks are cleaned, treated, and then overlaid with reflective sheeting to meet federal retroreflectivity standards. Common thicknesses include .063 in (light duty), .080 in (standard duty), .100 in, and .125 in (heavy duty). The thickness required depends on location, sign size, and governing agency specifications.Why Aluminum Is Widely Used
- Durability – Aluminum resists rust and corrosion, performing reliably in outdoor conditions for decades.
- Strength – Provides excellent fastener retention and resistance to wind loads when properly sized.
- Compliance – Recognized by federal and state DOTs as a standard material for permanent roadway signs.
- Recyclability – 100% recyclable, with high scrap value at the end of service life.
- Resheeting capability – Old signs can often be stripped and re-sheeted, extending their useful life.
Common Applications
Aluminum is found in nearly every category of public roadway signage, including:- Regulatory signs – Stop, Yield, Speed Limit, Parking, and other legally enforceable signs.
- Warning signs – Curve ahead, pedestrian crossing, school zone, and construction alerts.
- Guide and directional signs – Highway markers, wayfinding, and street name signs.
Aluminum and ACM: Complementary Options
While aluminum is the long-established material for permanent roadway signs, ACM traffic signs are also widely used for other applications such as work-zone, facility, and parking signage. Both substrates are available from Traffic Safety Store, ensuring you can select the right solution for each project.Always confirm with the MUTCD and your state DOT to determine which substrate, alloy, and thickness are permitted for your specific application.
Conclusion
Aluminum traffic signs are durable, recyclable, and time-tested for roadway use. Whether you need blanks for custom graphics or fully finished MUTCD-compliant signs, aluminum remains a dependable choice trusted by transportation agencies nationwide.Disclaimer: Traffic Safety Store provides this article for general information only. It is not legal or engineering advice. Always follow the MUTCD and your state or local DOT standards for materials, thicknesses, and installation requirements.
Road Closed Sign
48" x 48", .080 Gauge Aluminum Orange Construction Sign – Durable, DOT-Compliant Safety Solution
Ensure maximum visibility and safety on the job site with our 48-inch .080 gauge aluminum orange construction signs. Built to meet DOT and MUTCD standards, these high-visibility signs are ideal for road work zones, utility projects, and construction areas where safety and communication are critical.
Key Features:
- Premium .080 Gauge Aluminum: Rust-free, weather-resistant, and built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions without warping or fading.
- High-Visibility Orange Background: High Intensity (HI) reflective sheeting for superior daytime and low-light visibility to alert drivers and pedestrians to potential hazards.
- 48-Inch Size: Ideal for high-speed roadways and large-scale projects where larger signage is required for maximum impact.
- Long-Lasting Performance: Resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and general wear, making it a cost-effective, long-term safety investment.
- Meets Federal and State Regulations: Compliant with MUTCD standards, ensuring legal use across all applicable construction and traffic control settings.
Whether you're managing a temporary lane closure or a multi-month infrastructure project, our 48" orange aluminum construction signs deliver the visibility and durability your team needs.
Equip your crew with signage that stands up to the job.
- Durable: Made from .080 gauge rust-free aluminum for long-lasting outdoor performance.
- High Visibility: Bright orange, High Intensity (HI) sheeting ensures maximum visibility in construction zones.
- Compliant: Meets MUTCD and DOT standards for legal roadway and job site use.