MUTCD W20-3 
MUTCD R11-2
MUTCD R11-3B 
MUTCD R11-3A 
MUTCD R11-4 About Road Closed Signs
What are Road Closed Signs, and how are they used?
Our Road Closed Signs category includes white, rectangular regulatory signs, as well as orange, diamond-shaped advance warning signs. The advance warning signs are available as rigid signs or roll-up signs. All Road Closed Signs are used for “temporary traffic control” (TTC).
Where are Road Closed Signs placed?
An orange Road Closed warning sign (rigid or roll-up) is placed ahead of a white regulatory sign with “Road Closed” messaging. All white, rectangular “Road Closed” Signs can only be used on local single- or multi-lane roads. Orange, diamond-shaped signs can be used on any road type, from local roads to interstates.
What signs are used alongside Road Closed Signs?
Detour Signs and Road Closed Signs are commonly used together. When an alternate route around the work zone is available, “Detour Ahead” Signs give drivers that information in advance. A Detour Sign and rectangular Road Closed Sign assembly is often installed onto Type 3 Barricades. The MUTCD guidelines mention that M4-10R (right) or M4-10L (left) Detour Enclosed In Arrow Sign should be mounted “just below” any rectangular Road Closed Sign.
Mounting Road Closed Signs
What are Road Closed Signs mounted onto?
In most situations, Road Closed Signs are mounted onto Type 3 Barricades. The barricade physically communicates the road closure, and the sign provides clear messaging to drivers approaching the work zone.
Which Barricade type can I use with Road Closed Signs?
Only Type 3 Barricades can be used to “close or partially close” a given roadway, according to the MUTCD (Chapter 6K, Section 6K.07, Paragraph 18). Type 1 and Type 2 Barricades are used when the roadway is still open for travel (Chapter 6K, Section 6K.07, Paragraph 15).
Should I install a Road Closed Sign above a Type 3 Barricade or on its boards?
The MUTCD allows for Road Closed Signs to be installed “on or above” a Type 3 Barricade, which leaves this choice to either local specifications or personal preference. “Road Closed signs should be installed at or near the center of the roadway on or above a Type 3 Barricade that closes the roadway” (Chapter 6G, Section 6G.04, Paragraph 03) “The Detour Arrow (M4-10) sign should normally be mounted just below the ROAD CLOSED (R11-2, R11-3a, or R11-4) sign. The Detour Arrow sign should include a horizontal arrow pointed to the right or left as required.” (Chapter 6I, Section 6I.02, Paragraph 05)
What is the difference between the “Road Closed—Local Traffic Only” Sign and the “Road Closed To Thru Traffic” Sign?
Guidance in the MUTCD lists identical uses for each sign, which suggests that these two signs can be used interchangeably. Make sure to follow the specific guidance that your local jurisdiction provides.
When would you use Street Closed Signs vs. Road Closed Signs (rectangular regulatory signs)?
The “Street” and “Road” messaging on these signs are both allowed by the MUTCD. Local jurisdictions may require one sign messaging over the other, but they may also leave the choice to personal preference.
What if bicycle travel is still permitted when a road is closed to motor vehicles?
In this case, the R3-7bP Except Bicycles placard can be mounted with the Road Closed Sign.
Customizations
Can I change the messaging on Road Closed XX Miles Ahead—Local Traffic Only Signs?
Yes, the distance legend “XX Miles Ahead” can be modified in two ways. The first option is to customize the distance messaging to “4 Miles Ahead”, “500 Ft Ahead”, or any other distance. The second option is to replace “XX Miles Ahead” with an “intersecting street name” or “well-known destination”, which is permitted by the MUTCD. An example of this customization could read “Road Closed At _______ [insert street name]” or “Road Closed At ________ [insert destination]”.
Can I customize the “Road Closed” messaging on R11-2 Road Closed Signs?
Yes, the “Road Closed” messaging on R11-2 can be customized to meet the needs of your project. The MUTCD lists “Street Closed”, “Bridge Out”, and “Path Closed” as standard variations to the R11-2 sign, but we offer a wider range of customizations. Custom signs we’ve manufactured in the past include those that read “Trail Closed”, “US 29”, and “_______ [insert abbreviation of street name]”.
Where are Road Closed Signs placed?
Signs are placed ahead of work zones, as well as at the beginning, middle, and end of a detour route. Diamond-shaped Detour Ahead Signs are placed on roadsides ahead of work zones. These signs give drivers on local roads, highways, and interstates advance notice that the upcoming travel route has been interrupted. For Road Closed Signs designed with an arrow, signs are placed so that the arrow points to the beginning of the detour route. These arrow signs are also placed throughout the detour route.
Materials, Shipping, and More Information
What materials do you use to manufacture signs?
We apply your choice of high-intensity prismatic (HIP) or full-cube prismatic (FCP) onto rustproof .080” aluminum. Advance Warning Road Closed Signs with HIP sheeting are orange, and those with FCP sheeting are fluorescent orange. All other Road Closed Signs have black text printed onto a white background.
Additional Ordering and Purchasing Information
Orders are typically shipped the same or the next day. UPS tracking is emailed to the customer at the time of shipment. The email contains an expected delivery day. Please call 888-728-7665 if you need expedited service for your order.
How are Road Closed Signs packaged?
Signs are layered back-to-back, with each sign face protected by slip sheeting.
What resources can I use to find more information about Road Closed Signs?
The MUTCD provides additional guidance across several sections. The information on this page was gathered from Part 2 and Part 6 of the manual.
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