Warns that a travel lane is closed ahead in the work zone — typically shown with a stated distance — so drivers can merge before reaching the closure.
Advance warning for a lane-closure taper. 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 that a travel lane is closed ahead in the work zone — typically shown with a stated distance — so drivers can merge before reaching the closure.
Warns that a travel lane is closed ahead in the work zone — typically shown with a stated distance — so drivers can merge before reaching the closure. In the field, W20-5 Lane Closed (with distance) is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include advance warning for a lane-closure taper; shown with a distance plaque; paired with the directional lane-closed signs and W4-2 merge. 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 Closed (with distance) sign requirementsUsed in the advance warning area of a California lane-closure setup ahead of the merging taper. The directional Right/Left Lane Closed signs (W20-5R/W20-5L and W20-5a/W20-5b) indicate which lane is affected.
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 closure distance and merge taper match the posted speed and the TCP. Public Ready reviews lane-closure signing sequences.
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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