W20-3 Road Closed Ahead Sign
Warns that the road ahead is closed and that through travel will not be possible, giving drivers time to turn or follow a detour before reaching the closure.
| Sign code | W20-3 |
|---|---|
| Federal code | W20-3 |
| Name | Road Closed Ahead |
| Category | Warning Signs |
| Shape | Diamond |
| Color | Orange background, black legend |
| California status | Used in California per CA MUTCD |
| Typical CA minimum size | 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways |
What This Sign Means
Warns that the road ahead is closed and that through travel will not be possible, giving drivers time to turn or follow a detour before reaching the closure.
California Temporary Traffic Control Use
Placed in advance of a closure in a California TTC zone, working together with regulatory ROAD CLOSED (R11-2) signing and detour route markers at the closure point.
Common TCP Context
- Advance warning ahead of a full roadway closure
- Used with R11-2 / R11-3a and detour markers
- Common on utility cuts, paving, and emergency closures
California Size Requirements
Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.
Sizes are CA MUTCD minimums and vary by roadway classification and speed. Verify against the CA MUTCD 2026 (CA MUTCD Part 6 (Temporary Traffic Control), Chapter 6F; warning-sign design in Part 2C), Caltrans sign specifications, and the reviewing agency.
Common Placement on a TCP
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.
Los Angeles Area Usage Notes
In Los Angeles, full closures typically require coordination with LADOT for signal timing, LA County Metro where transit routes are affected, and public-notice requirements under City or county ordinance. On state highways in LA County, Caltrans District 7 reviews the encroachment permit; county roads are permitted by LA County DPW. Confirm closure limits match the approved permit exactly.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Closure limits on the plan do not match the approved permit exactly.
- Closure not backed by advance warning and a signed detour.
- Local-access provisions unclear (especially for ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC).
- Barricade type (e.g., Type III) not specified.
Plan Review Notes
Confirm the warning is paired with regulatory closure signing and a viable detour or local-access plan. Public Ready reviews closure and detour coordination.
Signs Commonly Used Together
These signs are typically deployed alongside W20-3 on a California TCP.
Rent or Purchase This Sign
Closing a road on a California project? Public Ready can provide ROAD CLOSED AHEAD (W20-3) and the matching closure and detour signs.
Official References
- California MUTCD (Caltrans)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Federal MUTCD (FHWA)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Caltrans Sign Charts
Free official resource — opens official government website
- FHWA Standard Highway Signs
Free official resource — opens official government website
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.
Related Signs
Need signs for a California project?
Need to rent, purchase, or include traffic control signs on a California project? Public Ready can help with sign rental, purchase, sign packages, TCP sign legends, and permit coordination.