33.5.55. Which of the depicted road signs indicates the direction of bypassing a section of the carriageway closed to traffic on a road with a median strip?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків показує напрямок об'їзду закритої для руху ділянки проїзної частини на дорозі з розділювальною смугою?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the correct interpretation of informational and guiding road signs used during temporary changes in traffic organization. Such situations directly affect road safety: the driver must understand in advance where they are being directed when part of the carriageway is closed, in order not to make dangerous maneuvers or enter hazardous areas.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, specifically group 5 "Informational and guiding signs" and the purpose of sign 5.27.1 "Change of direction on a road with a median strip." The key feature here is a road with a median strip: the detour of the closed section is organized so that vehicles are temporarily redirected to the other carriageway (the oncoming side, separated by the strip), and after the closure, returned back. This is exactly the meaning and the "connection" to the median strip shown by the relevant sign, so it is important to recognize it by its diagram in the theoretical exam.
Other options in similar exam questions usually distract with a similar idea of a "detour," but have a different purpose. Sign 5.63 "Detour scheme" and signs 5.64 (in particular 5.64.3 "Direction of detour") are used for detour routes via other streets or directions at intersections, that is, for a detour as a temporary scheme, but without a specific indication of a road with a median strip. The mandatory sign 4.8 "Detour of an obstacle on the left" regulates the detour of a local obstacle (safety island, etc.) and does not describe the organization of traffic when a section is closed on a divided road, so in content it does not fit this situation.
Clause 1.10 (term “Carriageway”)
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles. Application: the question refers to a “section of the carriageway closed to traffic”, the detour of which must be indicated by the appropriate sign.
Clause 1.10 (term “Median strip”)
Median strip — an element of the road that separates adjacent carriageways (usually of opposite directions) and is not intended for the movement or stopping of vehicles (except in cases provided for by the Traffic Rules). Application: the question specifically clarifies that the road is “with a median strip”, so a sign is needed that, under such conditions, shows the scheme/direction of the detour with exit to another carriageway and return.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road Signs”, 5 “Informational and Direction Signs”, sign 5.27.1 “Change of Direction on a Road with a Median Strip”
Official content (key provision): “shows the direction of detour of a section of the carriageway closed to traffic on a road with a median strip.” Application: this is the only sign among those listed that is directly linked to a road with a median strip and specifically describes the detour of a closed section of the carriageway.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road Signs”, 5 “Informational and Direction Signs”, sign 5.63 “Detour Scheme”
Official content (generalized according to the Traffic Rules): the sign is used to indicate the route of a detour of a section of road that is temporarily closed to traffic. Application: shows the route/scheme of the detour (usually through other roads/streets), but is not a special sign specifically for a road with a median strip.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road Signs”, 5 “Informational and Direction Signs”, sign 5.64.3 “Direction of Detour”
Official content (generalized according to the Traffic Rules): the sign is used to indicate the direction of detour of a section of road that is temporarily closed to traffic. Application: sets the direction of detour as a temporary scheme, but does not specify the detour specifically “on a road with a median strip” (unlike 5.27.1).
Clause 33.4 — 33 “Road Signs”, 4 “Mandatory Signs”, sign 4.8 “Detour of Obstacle on the Left”
Official content (generalized according to the Traffic Rules): prescribes detouring an obstacle (safety island, etc.) on the left side. Application: concerns detouring a local obstacle on the carriageway, not organizing a detour of a “section closed to traffic” on a road with a median strip.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Sign 2.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, it is sign 5.27.1 that shows the direction of detour of a section of the carriageway closed to traffic on a road with a median strip.
The key words in the question are: a section of the carriageway closed to traffic and a road with a median strip. In other words, this refers to a situation where, on a highway or another road with separated traffic flows, part of your carriageway is temporarily blocked, and drivers need to change their route in an organized manner to bypass this section.
According to the Traffic Rules (section 33), sign 5.27.1 “Change of direction on a road with a median strip” is specifically intended for such cases: it shows how to bypass a closed section on a road where directions are separated by a median. The logic is simple: when the median does not allow you to bypass the obstacle “within your own side,” drivers are directed in advance to an organized detour with a transition to the other part of the road and a subsequent return after the closed section. That is why this sign always features a recognizable diagram of a road with a median strip.
The other options do not fit the meaning of the question. The “Detour Scheme” sign (5.63) and the “Detour Direction” signs (series 5.64) are usually used when a detour is organized through other streets or turns at intersections, that is, this is a route bypassing the closed section, not a special change of direction specifically on a road with a median. The mandatory sign 4.8 “Bypass the obstacle on the left” concerns bypassing a specific obstacle on the carriageway (for example, a safety island) and does not describe traffic organization on a divided road when a section is blocked.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Sign 2,” since this is sign 5.27.1, which according to the Traffic Rules indicates the direction of bypassing a closed section of the carriageway specifically on a road with a median strip.