Warns that two travel lanes are closed ahead (shown with the distance to the closure) so drivers can merge out of the affected lanes well in advance.
Double-lane closures on multilane streets and freeways. 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 two travel lanes are closed ahead (shown with the distance to the closure) so drivers can merge out of the affected lanes well in advance.
Warns that two travel lanes are closed ahead (shown with the distance to the closure) so drivers can merge out of the affected lanes well in advance. In the field, W20-5a 2 Lanes Closed is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include double-lane closures on multilane streets and freeways; posted with the distance to the start of the closure; paired with arrow boards and channelizing devices at each taper. 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 2 Lanes Closed sign requirementsUsed on California multilane roadways where two lanes close together, posted with the distance (for example, 2 RIGHT LANES CLOSED 1/2 MILE) ahead of the merging tapers.
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.
Verify the stated distance and which lanes close match the TCP, and that both tapers are signed and channelized. Public Ready confirms multi-lane closure sequencing.
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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