This guide summarizes the MUTCD requirements and practical application guidance for the W20-5 LANE CLOSED (WITH DISTANCE) sign. Use this resource to understand when it is required, how to place it correctly, and how to maintain clear visibility for safe operations.
Advance warning for a lane-closure taper
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Mount at the standard height and setback for the roadway with clear sight lines.
High reflectivity and clear sight lines are essential day and night.
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.
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.
Used 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.
Go to California NotesEducational 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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