Warns that the left travel lane ends ahead and that traffic in the left lane must merge into the adjacent lane where the roadway narrows.
Left-lane reductions and merging tapers in work zones. 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 the left travel lane ends ahead and that traffic in the left lane must merge into the adjacent lane where the roadway narrows.
Warns that the left travel lane ends ahead and that traffic in the left lane must merge into the adjacent lane where the roadway narrows. In the field, W4-2L Left Lane Ends is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include left-lane reductions and merging tapers in work zones; supplements W20-5 series lane-closure signs where the left lane closes; used where the left lane is permanently dropped near work. 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 Left Lane Ends sign requirementsUsed in California lane-closure tapers when the left lane is dropped, reinforcing the merge as the left lane ends and supplementing the word-message lane-closure warnings.
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 symbol shows the LEFT lane ending and that the merge matches the open lane and taper. Public Ready confirms merge symbols agree with the lane-closure plan.
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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