W9-2 Lane Ends Sign
A word-message warning that a travel lane is ending ahead, telling drivers the number of through lanes will be reduced.
| Sign code | W9-2 |
|---|---|
| Federal code | W9-2 |
| Name | Lane Ends |
| Category | Warning Signs |
| Shape | Diamond |
| Color | Orange background, black legend (temporary traffic control use) |
| 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
A word-message warning that a travel lane is ending ahead, telling drivers the number of through lanes will be reduced.
California Temporary Traffic Control Use
Used in California work zones as a word-message companion to the lane-ends symbol where additional emphasis on the lane reduction is warranted.
Common TCP Context
- Lane reductions ahead of a closure
- Supplements the W4-2 lane-ends symbol
- Used on higher-speed approaches needing extra notice
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, 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.
Plan Review Notes
Confirm the lane-ends message is consistent with the merge direction and taper. Public Ready reviews lane-reduction messaging.
Signs Commonly Used Together
These signs are typically deployed alongside W9-2 on a California TCP.
Rent or Purchase This Sign
Need a LANE ENDS (W9-2) word sign? Public Ready can supply it with your lane-closure package.
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.