MUTCD Sign ChartMUTCDSignChartA Public Ready Knowledge Resource

R11-2 Road Closed

A regulatory sign stating that the road is closed to all traffic, posted at the closure point typically on a barricade across the roadway.

Sign Name
Road Closed
General Meaning
A regulatory sign stating that the road is closed to all traffic, posted at the closure point typically on a barricade across the roadway.
MUTCD Code
R11-2
Typical Use
At the closure point (activity area), typically on a barricade.
Sign Category
Road Closure Signs

Specifications

Standard Shape
Rectangle (Horizontal)
Background Color
White
Legend / Symbol
Black legend
Border
Black
Reflectivity
High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
Compliance
MUTCD / CA MUTCD

Standard Sizes (inches)

  • Conventional Rectangle (Horizontal)24"–48" tall
  • Expressway Rectangle (Horizontal)36"–60" tall
  • Freeway Rectangle (Horizontal)48"–72" tall
View all standard sizes and options

Material / Application Notes

Full roadway closures at the closure point. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.

View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)

California Notes

California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.

Go to California Notes
R11-2 Road Closed — official FHWA layout

What It Means / When This Sign Is Used

In the field, R11-2 Road Closed is typically positioned at the at the closure point (activity area), typically on a barricade. Common deployments include full roadway closures at the closure point; mounted on Type III barricades; used with W20-3 advance warning and detour markers. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

Learn more about Road Closed sign requirements

When & Where It's Used

  • Full roadway closures at the closure point
  • Mounted on Type III barricades
  • Used with W20-3 advance warning and detour markers

Placement on a Traffic Control Plan

Where it sits
At the closure point (activity area), typically on a barricade.
CA MUTCD reference
CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs) and Part 6F
Typical minimum size
48" × 30"

California / Field Use Notes

Mounted on a Type III barricade or closure across a California roadway, used with advance warning and detour signing to fully close the road.

In Los Angeles, full closures typically require coordination with LADOT for signal timing, LA County Metro where transit routes are affected, and public-notice requirements under City or county ordinance. On state highways in LA County, Caltrans District 7 reviews the encroachment permit; county roads are permitted by LA County DPW. Confirm closure limits match the approved permit exactly.

Common Plan Review Comments

  • Closure limits on the plan do not match the approved permit exactly.
  • Closure not backed by advance warning and a signed detour.
  • Local-access provisions unclear (especially for ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC).
  • Barricade type (e.g., Type III) not specified.

Confirm the closure is backed by advance warning and a detour or local-access plan. Public Ready reviews full-closure signing and barricading.

Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.

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