What is the purpose of the Transition Area in traffic control?

The purpose of the Transition Area in traffic control is to prepare road users for the work zone. This area serves as a crucial buffer between regular traffic flow and the work zone, signaling drivers that they are approaching an area where conditions may change. It helps in guiding vehicles safely through the altered environment, such as changes in lane patterns, reduced speed limits, and the presence of workers or construction equipment. By providing advance notice and appropriate signage, the Transition Area plays a vital role in enhancing safety for both road users and those working in the vicinity.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of traffic management but do not accurately capture the function of the Transition Area. For instance, marking the end of a detour refers specifically to guiding traffic back to its original route. Reducing speed limits is a directive typically implemented within the work zone itself rather than in the transition area. Indicating pedestrian zones is unrelated to the primary function of the transition area, although pedestrian safety is essential in work zones.