W20-5a 2 Lanes Closed
Warns that two travel lanes are closed ahead (shown with the distance to the closure) so drivers can merge out of the affected lanes well in advance.
- Sign Name
- 2 Lanes Closed
- General Meaning
- Warns that two travel lanes are closed ahead (shown with the distance to the closure) so drivers can merge out of the affected lanes well in advance.
- MUTCD Code
- W20-5a
- Typical Use
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Diamond
- Background Color
- Orange
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- 30 in Diamond30" × 30"
- 36 in Diamond36" × 36"
- 48 in Diamond48" × 48"
- 60 in Diamond60" × 60"
Material / Application Notes
Double-lane closures on multilane streets and freeways. 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.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, W20-5a 2 Lanes Closed is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include double-lane closures on multilane streets and freeways; posted with the distance to the start of the closure; paired with arrow boards and channelizing devices at each taper. 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 2 Lanes Closed sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Double-lane closures on multilane streets and freeways
- Posted with the distance to the start of the closure
- Paired with arrow boards and channelizing devices at each taper
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 6 (Temporary Traffic Control), Chapter 6F; warning-sign design in Part 2C
- Typical minimum size
- 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways
California / Field Use Notes
Used on California multilane roadways where two lanes close together, posted with the distance (for example, 2 RIGHT LANES CLOSED 1/2 MILE) ahead of the merging tapers.
In Los Angeles, this sign must conform to CA MUTCD 2026. Work in City of LA right-of-way is reviewed by StreetsLA and the Bureau of Engineering (BOE); state highways in LA County are permitted and reviewed by Caltrans District 7; county roads are permitted by LA County DPW. Sizes, retroreflectivity, and placement must meet CA MUTCD minimums — local agencies may require larger signs based on roadway class, speed, pedestrian volume, and proximity to schools or transit.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Merge direction on the sign does not match the open lane in the field.
- Taper begins before the lane-closure warning is reached.
- Sign spacing not adjusted for the posted speed.
- Wrong size specified for a multilane facility.
Verify the stated distance and which lanes close match the TCP, and that both tapers are signed and channelized. Public Ready confirms multi-lane closure sequencing.
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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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