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W20-4 One Lane Road Ahead

Warns that two-way traffic will be reduced to a single shared lane ahead, where opposing directions must take turns through the work area.

Sign Name
One Lane Road Ahead
MUTCD Code
W20-4
Official designation
One Lane Road (with distance) — FHWA SHS 2024, App. B5-26
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"
View dimensions and source

When & Where It's Used

  • Alternating one-way traffic control through a work zone
  • Paired with W20-7 Flagger and BE PREPARED TO STOP
  • Common on rural two-lane roads and bridge or culvert work

Placement Context

Where it sits
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
CA MUTCD reference
CA MUTCD 2026 Chapter 6H — TTC Zone Warning 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. Reference editions: California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1.

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