W20-1 Road Work Ahead
Warns approaching drivers that a work operation is taking place on or near the roadway ahead so they can slow down and stay alert for changing conditions.
- Sign Name
- Road Work Ahead
- MUTCD Code
- W20-1
- Official designation
- Road Work (with distance) — FHWA SHS 2024, App. B5-20
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color / legend
- Orange background, black legend
Sizes & Dimensions (inches)
These are dimensions shown on the linked layout. Select the required size using the applicable MUTCD and agency requirements; the smallest drawing size is not necessarily the permitted minimum.
Dimensions are side lengths of the diamond, not its corner-to-corner span.
- Layout 130" × 30"
- Layout 236" × 36"
- Layout 348" × 48"
California Application & Variants
W20-1 is the federal ROAD (STREET) WORK designation used in California. Under CA MUTCD 2026 Section 6H.03, RAMP WORK AHEAD C23(CA) may substitute where applicable. ROAD may be changed to STREET; the distance legend may be XX FEET, XX MILES or AHEAD.
When & Where It's Used
- Lead advance warning sign on lane and shoulder work setups
- Paired with a distance plaque (e.g. AHEAD or a stated distance)
- Used on streets, highways, and within local agency right-of-way permits
Placement Context
- Where it sits
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD 2026 Chapter 6H — TTC Zone Warning Signs
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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. Reference editions: California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1.
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