MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS Sign Requirements

1. When a MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS Sign Is Used

Supports a zipper (late) merge by telling drivers to merge at the closure point and take turns, keeping both lanes in use until the merge point.

• Late-merge (zipper) lane-closure operations
• Higher-volume approaches with recurring queues
• Used with W20-5 series lane-closed signing

2. How and Where It Applies

In the field, W9-2a Merge Here Take Turns is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include late-merge (zipper) lane-closure operations; higher-volume approaches with recurring queues; used with W20-5 series lane-closed signing. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

3. Placement and Application Notes

Position W9-2a advance warning area, ahead of the work.

• Place the sign where drivers have a clear, unobstructed view on approach.
• Mount at the standard height and setback from the edge of the traveled way.
• Do not mount with other signs on the same post unless space constraints require it.

4. Standard Sizes and Visibility Considerations

Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.

• Choose size based on roadway speed, sight distance, and mounting location.
• Maintain high retroreflectivity for maximum night and adverse-weather visibility.

5. California Notes

Used with the lane-closure sequence in California work zones where a late-merge (zipper) operation is called for to manage queues on higher-volume approaches.

6. Common Field or Planning Mistakes

• Sign not shown at the correct advance distance for the posted speed.
• Advance warning sign missing or out of sequence on the TCP.
• Wrong size specified for the roadway classification (conventional vs. expressway).
• Sign sheeting / retroreflectivity class not noted on the plan.