What does 'Alternating Directions' mean?
'Alternato' — al-ter-NA-to. Stress on the third syllable; four syllables.
Ask when you see this sign on a narrow road, especially in the mountains or during road works. It means traffic takes turns to use the single lane in both directions, usually controlled by traffic lights or a person with a flag.
'Alternato' means alternating. 'Senso alternato' (alternating direction) is the Italian term for a temporary single-lane system where traffic from opposite directions takes turns. This is controlled either by portable traffic lights ('semaforo mobile') or a construction worker with a sign saying 'stop' on one side and 'via' (go) on the other.
Devo aspettare il verde?
Do I need to wait for the green?
Temporary traffic lights control alternating flow.
Per quanto aspetto?
How long do I wait?
Alternating cycles can last 10–30 minutes on mountain roads.
C'è un manuale con la paletta?
Is there a person with a sign?
A worker with a stop/go paddle may control the flow.
Mountain roads in the Apennines and Alps frequently require alternating traffic control during landslide repairs or road narrowing. In summer, this can cause queues of 30+ minutes. Apps like Waze update these real-time but signal coverage in the mountains is often absent.