Warns of a two-lane reverse-curve alignment ahead — a curve in one direction followed by a curve in the other — such as a lane shift around a work area.
Two-lane lane shifts around work activity. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.
Warns of a two-lane reverse-curve alignment ahead — a curve in one direction followed by a curve in the other — such as a lane shift around a work area.
Warns of a two-lane reverse-curve alignment ahead — a curve in one direction followed by a curve in the other — such as a lane shift around a work area. In the field, W1-4b Reverse Curve (2 lanes) is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include two-lane lane shifts around work activity; temporary alignment changes / crossovers; used with channelizing devices through the shift. 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 Reverse Curve (2 lanes) sign requirementsUsed where a California work zone shifts two lanes of traffic through a reverse (S) alignment, for example around an excavation or a temporary crossover.
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.
Confirm the reverse-curve advisory and any advisory-speed plaque match the geometry of the shift. Public Ready reviews lane-shift signing.
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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