What are channelizing devices used for in a work zone?

Channelizing devices in a work zone are primarily used to guide drivers safely through the area. These devices, such as cones, barrels, and barriers, create a clear path that directs traffic around obstacles and hazards present in the work zone. Their main function is to enhance safety by delineating the travel path for vehicles, making it easier for drivers to navigate through the potentially hazardous conditions created by construction or maintenance work. While these devices can have some secondary effects, such as affecting lane separation, their essential purpose is to ensure that drivers are guided safely, which minimizes confusion and reduces the risk of accidents. Other options, such as indicating speed limits or identifying pedestrian crossings, do not reflect the primary function of channelizing devices in a work zone.