C23(CA) Road Work Ahead
The C23(CA) Road Work Ahead is a California construction sign. Verified against the official Caltrans Sign Specification (C23--CA.pdf): the sheet shows ROAD WORK AHEAD. Colors: ORANGE BACKGROUND WITH BLACK BORDER & SYMBOL (REFLECTIVE BACKGROUND). Standard sizes: 30x30, 48x48 in.
- Sign Name
- Road Work Ahead
- General Meaning
- The C23(CA) Road Work Ahead is a California construction sign.
- MUTCD Code
- C23(CA)
- Typical Use
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- Sign Category
- California Construction 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
Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the CA MUTCD (Caltrans)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, C23(CA) Road Work Ahead is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications; selected and sized for the roadway type and setting; coordinated with the overall signing plan and permit. 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 Work Ahead sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications
- Selected and sized for the roadway type and setting
- Coordinated with the overall signing plan and permit
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) and Caltrans Sign Specifications
- Typical minimum size
- 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways
California / Field Use Notes
Used in California per the CA MUTCD and the Caltrans Sign Specification (C23--CA.pdf). Confirm size, retroreflective sheeting, and placement for the specific condition and the reviewing agency.
In Los Angeles, this sign must conform to the CA MUTCD. Work in City of LA right-of-way is reviewed by StreetsLA and the Bureau of Engineering; state highways in LA County are permitted by Caltrans District 7; county roads by LA County DPW.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Designation verified against the Caltrans Sign Specification (C23--CA.pdf).
- Verify size for the roadway classification and setting.
- Confirm retroreflective sheeting class per the CA MUTCD.
- Verify placement and mounting height per the CA MUTCD.
C23(CA) Road Work Ahead is verified against the Caltrans Sign Specification (C23--CA.pdf). Confirm its size, sheeting, and placement for the condition. Public Ready can review sign selection against your plan and agency requirements.
Related Signs
View All C-Series Signs
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.