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Lane Ends and Merge Signs (W4-2, W9-2a): What They Mean

Lane Ends warning sign, W4-2: black symbol of one lane narrowing into another on an orange diamond
Lane Ends symbol sign (W4-2). Illustration drawn by Safe Pass Traffic; not to scale.

The Lane Ends sign (W4-2) shows two lanes with one line bending in: the number of lanes in your direction is about to drop. In a work zone it tells you to get ready to merge, and a MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS sign (W9-2a) may tell you exactly where.

What it means

Section 6H.08 of the California MUTCD 2026 Edition says the Lane Ends (W4-2) sign should be used to warn drivers of a reduction in the number of lanes for moving traffic in the direction of travel on a multi-lane roadway. The picture is the message: the lane on the side where the line bends in is the one that ends.

Related signs shown in Figure 6H-1 carry the same idea in other forms:

  • RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS (W9-1), a word-message version.
  • Merge (W4-1), a symbol warning that traffic from another lane or roadway is merging.
  • MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS (W9-2a), which should be used to identify the merge point where vehicles from alternate lanes take turns merging during Late Merge applications (Section 6N.19).

What drivers often get wrong

  • Assuming there is only one right way to merge. Some work zones are set up for an early merge, others for a late merge with a MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS sign at the merge point. Follow the signs posted at that site.
  • Racing to cut in. Where MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS is posted, the idea is alternating: one car from each lane.
  • Ignoring the symbol because there are no workers in sight. The lane still ends whether or not anyone is working at that moment.

Where it goes in a work zone

Lane Ends and merge signs sit in the advance warning area ahead of the taper where the lane drops. Spacing between advance warning signs varies with road type, condition and speed (Section 6H.02). Where several advance warning signs are needed, ROAD WORK AHEAD (W20-1) should be the first one. In a late merge layout, the W9-2a sign is placed at the merge point itself.

What contractors need to know

  • The CA MUTCD does not pick one merge style for every job. Whether a closure uses a conventional merge or a late merge is decided by the permitting agency and the approved traffic control plan.
  • In work zones the lane reduction is often signed with a Lane Closed sign (W20-5); the plan should make clear which legends are used and in what order.
  • Sign spacing and taper lengths come from the manual’s tables and agency standards, and the permitting agency may add its own requirements.

Related signs

Frequently asked questions

What does MERGE HERE TAKE TURNS mean?

It marks the point where drivers from both lanes should alternate, one at a time, in a late merge setup. The W9-2a sign identifies that merge point.

Is late merging required in California work zones?

The manual describes late merge applications but does not require them everywhere. The permitting agency and the approved plan decide which merge method a closure uses.

What is the difference between W4-2 and W9-1?

They carry the same warning. W4-2 uses a symbol, and W9-1 spells it out as RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS.

Sources

Need this sign on a traffic control plan?

Safe Pass Traffic prepares PE & TE stamped traffic control plans, striping plans and typical plans for projects statewide in California, and helps with the permit submittal. We draw the plan that shows which signs go where; your contractor or traffic control provider sets them in the field. Call or text (714) 362-1348 or request a quote.