MUTCD W4-5aP: Merge Signs and Plaque

The W4-5aP sign is covered in Section 2C.45 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.

What it means and when it is used

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  The Merge sign should be installed on the side of the major roadway where merging traffic will be encountered and in such a position as to not obstruct the road user’s view of entering traffic. Figure 2C-11. Merging and Passing Signs and Plaques W4-1 W4-2 W4-3 W4-5 W4-6 W4-8 W6-3 W6-5 W6-5aW4-5aP W8-26 W8-26a W9-1 W9-4 W9-7W14-3W4-7 Sect. 2 C.45 to 2C.4704 When a Merge sign is installed on a major roadway, the symbol…
• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  When a Merge sign is installed on an entering roadway that curves before merging with the major roadway, such as a ramp with a curving horizontal alignment as it approaches the major roadway, the Entering Roadway Merge (W4-5) sign (see Figure 2C-11 ) should be used to better portray the actual geometric conditions to road users on the entering roadway.

Placement and mounting

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  Where two roadways of approximately equal importance converge and merging movements are required, a Merge sign should be placed on each roadway.
• Option · Permitted (may)
  An Entering Roadway Merge (W4-5) sign with a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5aP) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-11 ) mounted below it may be used to warn road users on an entering roadway that they will encounter an abrupt merging situation without an acceleration lane at the downstream end of the ramp.
• Option · Permitted (may)
  A Merge (W4-1) sign with a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5aP) supplemental plaque mounted below it may be used to warn road users on the major roadway that traffic on an entering roadway will encounter an abrupt merging situation without an acceleration lane at the downstream end of the ramp.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2C.45: Merge Signs and Plaque
• Minimum sign sizes by roadway type are in the size section for this chapter: Section 2C.03
• Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide

Related signs in Section 2C.45