MUTCD Sign ChartMUTCDSignChartA Public Ready Knowledge Resource

R9-11 Sidewalk Closed Ahead Cross Here

Advises pedestrians of a sidewalk closure ahead and directs them to cross at the indicated location before reaching the closure.

Sign Name
Sidewalk Closed Ahead Cross Here
General Meaning
Advises pedestrians of a sidewalk closure ahead and directs them to cross at the indicated location before reaching the closure.
MUTCD Code
R9-11
Typical Use
At and in advance of the pedestrian/sidewalk closure.
Sign Category
Pedestrian & Sidewalk Closure Signs

Specifications

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

Standard Sizes (inches)

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

Material / Application Notes

Advance pedestrian routing before a sidewalk closure. 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
R9-11 Sidewalk Closed Ahead Cross Here — official FHWA layout

What It Means / When This Sign Is Used

In the field, R9-11 Sidewalk Closed Ahead Cross Here is typically positioned at the at and in advance of the pedestrian/sidewalk closure. Common deployments include advance pedestrian routing before a sidewalk closure; directs crossing at a safe, accessible point; used with SIDEWALK CLOSED at the closure. 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 Sidewalk Closed Ahead Cross Here sign requirements

When & Where It's Used

  • Advance pedestrian routing before a sidewalk closure
  • Directs crossing at a safe, accessible point
  • Used with SIDEWALK CLOSED at the closure

Placement on a Traffic Control Plan

Where it sits
At and in advance of the pedestrian/sidewalk closure.
CA MUTCD reference
CA MUTCD Part 2B (pedestrian/sidewalk regulatory signs) and Part 6F
Typical minimum size
24" × 12" to 24" × 18" (pedestrian sign)

California / Field Use Notes

Used in California upstream of a sidewalk closure to move pedestrians across at a controlled point before the walkway is blocked.

In Los Angeles, pedestrian routing is scrutinized by plan reviewers. The City of LA Bureau of Engineering (BOE) and StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) require TCPs to maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian access at all times or provide a clearly marked, compliant alternate route. Show barricades, signs, and accessible surfaces on the plan; on state highways in LA County, Caltrans District 7 reviews the encroachment permit and TCP.

Common Plan Review Comments

  • No ADA-compliant alternate pedestrian route shown on the TCP.
  • Sidewalk closure not signed in advance (cross-here / ahead signs missing).
  • Accessible width and surface of the pedestrian detour not noted.
  • Barricades and detectable edging not shown at the closure.

Confirm the cross-here point is accessible and controlled, and precedes the closure. Public Ready reviews advance pedestrian crossing.

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.

Need to Rent or Purchase This Sign? Contact Public Ready.

Public Ready supports sign selection, project-ready sign packages, and equipment sourcing through qualified providers — with expert support built for compliance.