W20-5R Right Lane Closed
Warns that the right-hand travel lane is closed ahead and that traffic in that lane must merge left before the work area. The distance legend may read AHEAD, a distance in feet, or a distance in miles.
- Sign Name
- Right Lane Closed
- General Meaning
- Warns that the right-hand travel lane is closed ahead and that traffic in that lane must merge left before the work area.
- MUTCD Code
- W20-5R
- Typical Use
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Diamond
- Background Color
- Orange
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- 30 in Diamond30" × 30"
- 36 in Diamond36" × 36"
- 48 in Diamond48" × 48"
- 60 in Diamond60" × 60"
Material / Application Notes
Right-lane closures on multilane streets and highways. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)California Notes
California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, W20-5R Right Lane Closed is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include right-lane closures on multilane streets and highways; placed in the advance warning area ahead of the merging taper; paired with W4-2R and channelizing devices or an arrow board. 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 Right Lane Closed sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Right-lane closures on multilane streets and highways
- Placed in the advance warning area ahead of the merging taper
- Paired with W4-2R and channelizing devices or an arrow board
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 6 (Temporary Traffic Control), Chapter 6F; warning-sign design in Part 2C
- Typical minimum size
- 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways
California / Field Use Notes
Used on California multilane roadways to warn of a right-lane closure ahead of the merging taper, sequenced with advance warning and channelizing devices. Choose the distance legend (AHEAD / XX FT / XX MILE(S)) to match the plan.
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.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Merge direction on the sign does not match the open lane in the field.
- Taper begins before the lane-closure warning is reached.
- Sign spacing not adjusted for the posted speed.
- Wrong size specified for a multilane facility.
Confirm the merge direction matches field geometry, the distance legend is correct, and the taper begins after the warning. Public Ready reviews right-lane closure sequencing.
Related Signs
View All W-Series 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. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.
Need to Rent or Purchase This Sign? Contact Public Ready.
Public Ready supports sign selection, project-ready sign packages, and equipment sourcing through qualified providers — with expert support built for compliance.