W9-2 Lane Ends Merge Left (Right)
The word-message warning LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT (RIGHT), telling drivers that a through lane is ending and they must merge in the indicated direction. The plain “Lane Ends” symbol sign is a separate designation (W4-2). This sign is discontinued in the MUTCD 11th Edition; the face shown is the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs 2004 Edition depiction (W9-2L).
- Sign Name
- Lane Ends Merge Left (Right)
- General Meaning
- The word-message warning LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT (RIGHT), telling drivers that a through lane is ending and they must merge in the indicated direction.
- MUTCD Code
- W9-2
- Official designation
- Lane Ends Merge Left (Right) (W9-2L / W9-2R) — FHWA SHS Warning ch. p2-74; MUTCD §2C.33; CA equivalent W75(CA). (The bare “Lane Ends” symbol is a different sign, W4-2.)
- 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
Lane reductions ahead of a 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.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, W9-2 Lane Ends Merge Left (Right) is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include lane reductions ahead of a closure; supplements the W4-2L / W4-2R lane-ends symbols; used on higher-speed approaches needing extra notice. 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 Lane Ends Merge Left (Right) sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Lane reductions ahead of a closure
- Supplements the W4-2L / W4-2R lane-ends symbols
- Used on higher-speed approaches needing extra notice
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 in California work zones as the LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT (RIGHT) word-message sign where a lane reduction needs emphasis; the California equivalent is W75(CA).
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.
Confirm the lane-ends message is consistent with the merge direction and taper. Public Ready reviews lane-reduction messaging.
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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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