What does taper length refer to in traffic control?

Taper length refers specifically to the distance required to safely route traffic from one lane to another in a work zone. This is a critical aspect of temporary traffic control because it ensures that vehicles can transition smoothly and safely when encountering a lane shift or merge. The appropriate taper length is determined by the speed limit of the roadway, allowing enough space for drivers to adjust their speed and position their vehicles in a new lane without abrupt movements.

For example, if a work zone is set up and requires closing a lane, a well-defined taper provides enough space for merging traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall traffic flow. Proper taper length accounts for both safety and operational efficiency in managing traffic around construction areas.

In contrast, the other options either pertain to different traffic control concepts or do not relate specifically to the nuances of lane transition, making them incorrect in the context of defining taper length.