Film Locations Glossary
Lane closure
What is a lane closure?
A lane closure is the permitted removal of one or more traffic lanes from public use, for equipment, parking, or the shot itself.
It sits between an encroachment permit and a full road closure in scale, and typically requires a traffic control plan, certified flaggers, and signage set out in advance. Peak-hour restrictions mean the available window is often narrower than the shooting day.
Example
Two parking lanes and one traffic lane close for equipment and the truck line, with a traffic control plan, certified flaggers, and advance signage. Peak-hour restrictions mean the lanes reopen at 4pm whatever the schedule says.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Permitted by the roads authority, with the traffic plan submitted well ahead of the shoot.
Common mistake
Planning the day around the lanes and not around the peak-hour restriction. The lanes reopen when the traffic plan says, whatever is left to shoot.
Related questions
- What does a lane closure require?
- A permit from the roads authority, a traffic control plan, certified flaggers, and advance signage set out before the closure takes effect.
- Can lanes be closed at rush hour?
- Rarely. Most authorities restrict closures to off-peak windows, which means the shooting hours are set by the traffic plan rather than the schedule.