A regulatory sign advising that the road is closed ahead, often with a local-traffic or detour message, so drivers can prepare to turn or detour.
MUTCD-style sign reference illustration. Always verify against the official CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign charts.
| Sign code | R11-3a |
|---|---|
| Federal code | R11-3a |
| Name | Road Closed Ahead |
| Category | Road Closure Signs |
| Shape | Rectangle (Horizontal) |
| Color | White background, black legend |
| California status | Used in California per CA MUTCD |
| Typical CA minimum size | 48" × 30" |
Download this sign or open the official MUTCD reference.
Official source: FHWA Standard Highway Signs, 2024 (11th Edition) — Regulatory signs.
Source: FHWA Standard Highway Signs — Public Domain. California: CA MUTCD 2026 (effective Jan 18, 2026).
Files linked from FHWA are official government publications in the public domain. CA MUTCD and Caltrans links open official government websites. Always verify against the current edition.
A regulatory sign advising that the road is closed ahead, often with a local-traffic or detour message, so drivers can prepare to turn or detour.
A regulatory sign advising that the road is closed ahead, often with a local-traffic or detour message, so drivers can prepare to turn or detour. In the field, R11-3a Road Closed Ahead is typically positioned at the at the closure point (activity area), typically on a barricade. Common deployments include approaches to a full roadway closure; often combined with local-access messaging; used with detour route markers. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Used on California approaches to a closure to advise drivers in advance, frequently paired with local-access or detour wording.
Common field deployments
Agency review note
StreetsLA, LA County DPW, and Caltrans District 7 may require larger sizes or additional devices. Verify with the reviewing agency before finalizing the TCP.
Typical minimum: 48" × 30".
Sizes are CA MUTCD minimums and vary by roadway classification and speed. Verify against the CA MUTCD 2026 (CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs) and Part 6F), Caltrans sign specifications, and the reviewing agency.
Where it sits: At the closure point (activity area), typically on a barricade.
CA MUTCD reference: CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs) and Part 6F.
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.
Confirm advance closure messaging matches the local-access and detour plan. Public Ready reviews closure-approach signing.
These signs are typically deployed alongside R11-3a on a California TCP.
Need ROAD CLOSED AHEAD (R11-3a)? Public Ready can supply it with the closure and detour package.
Free official resource — opens official government website
Free official resource — opens official government website
Free official resource — opens official government website
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.
To understand the bigger picture around permits, agency review, lane closures, and pedestrian access for work zones using R11-3a Road Closed Ahead, visit WorkZoneCompliance.com.
Public Ready can help with R11-3a Road Closed Ahead — including sign rental or purchase, road-closure signs, barricades, closure permits, and agency coordination, and agency-review support for Caltrans District 7, the City of Los Angeles, and LA County.
