ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC Sign (R11-4): What It Means

ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC (R11-4). Illustration drawn by Safe Pass Traffic; not to scale.

A ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC sign (R11-4) means the road is closed somewhere ahead, but people who need to reach homes or businesses before the closure can still drive in. If you are just passing through, follow the detour.

What it means

Section 6G.05 of the California MUTCD 2026 Edition groups these as Local Traffic Only signs. They should be used where traffic detours to avoid a closure some distance beyond the sign, but local road users can use the road up to the point of closure. They should be accompanied by appropriate warning and detour signing. The size in Table 6G-1 is 60 x 30 inches.

R11-3 (rural): ROAD CLOSED XX MILES AHEAD, LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY.
R11-4 (urban option): ROAD (STREET) CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC, or the legend ROAD CLOSED, LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY.
In urban areas the name of an intersecting street or well-known destination may replace XX MILES AHEAD on the R11-3.
STREET CLOSED (R11-3a) or BRIDGE OUT (R11-3b) may substitute for the R11-3; BRIDGE OUT, BRIDGE CLOSED or STREET CLOSED may replace ROAD CLOSED on the R11-4; RAMP may replace ROAD or STREET.

What drivers often get wrong

Using it as a shortcut. “Local traffic” means drivers going to a destination before the closure, not drivers hoping to squeeze through.
Expecting to get all the way through. Even local traffic stops at the actual closure point.
Confusing it with the full ROAD CLOSED (R11-2) sign, which keeps out everyone except contractors’ equipment and authorized vehicles.

Where it goes in a work zone

These signs go at the entry to the section that is open only to local traffic, where through drivers can still turn onto the detour. Section 6K.07 notes that when a highway is legally closed but local access must still be allowed, barricades usually are not extended completely across the roadway.

Section 6I.02 says the Detour Arrow (M4-10) sign should normally be mounted just below the R11-4 (and below R11-2 and R11-3a) sign. Advance warning such as ROAD CLOSED AHEAD (W20-3) typically comes first, since Section 6H.05 covers closures to all road users or to all but local road users.

What contractors need to know

Choose the right sign for the access you are keeping: R11-2 for a full closure, the R11-3 series or R11-4 when residents, businesses or other local users still need to get in.
Pair the sign with warning and detour signing; it should not be used alone.
Plan barricade layout so local drivers can pass while through drivers are clearly directed to the detour.
The road owner’s permit conditions govern access, notification and hours. A traffic control plan shows the agency how access is kept.

Related signs

Frequently asked questions

What counts as local traffic?

The manual describes local road users as those who can use the roadway up to the point of closure, such as people going to homes or businesses along that stretch. The agency that owns the road may define access more specifically.

What is the difference between R11-3 and R11-4?

R11-3 reads ROAD CLOSED XX MILES AHEAD, LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY and is the rural form. R11-4 reads ROAD (STREET) CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC and is an option in urban areas.

Is THRU spelled that way on the sign?

Yes. The CA MUTCD legend is ROAD (STREET) CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC.

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.