MUTCD-compliant warning and regulatory signs for divided highway transitions, crossings, and ends
A sign for divided highway ahead is a standard MUTCD warning sign that alerts drivers to an upcoming change in road configuration. Whether a roadway is transitioning into a divided highway, returning to an undivided road, or crossing a divided highway, the correct signage keeps traffic moving safely and ensures compliance with DOT regulations. Trafficsigns.com carries the full range of divided highway road signs, including the W6-1, W6-1A, W6-2, W6-2A, R6-3, and related series, all manufactured on reflective aluminum and built to last in outdoor conditions.
Common Questions About Divided Highway Signs
- What is the sign for a divided highway ahead?
- The sign for divided highway ahead is a yellow diamond-shaped warning sign using the W6-1 or W6-1A designation under the MUTCD. It features arrows that split apart to represent traffic separating onto a divided roadway with a median or barrier. This sign is posted in advance of the point where an undivided road becomes a divided highway, giving drivers time to prepare for the lane configuration change.
- What sign is used for a divided highway?
- Two primary warning signs cover divided highway transitions. The W6-1 (Divided Highway Symbol Sign) uses a graphic symbol showing diverging arrows, while the W6-1A (Divided Highway Sign) uses a text-and-symbol combination. Both are yellow diamond-shaped warning signs. For the opposing transition, the W6-2 and W6-2A signs mark the end of a divided highway, where traffic returns to an undivided road.
- What is a divided highway called?
- A divided highway is a road where opposing lanes of traffic are physically separated by a median, barrier, guardrail, or raised curb. Common examples include interstates, expressways, and many state highways. The divider prevents head-on collisions and is a standard safety feature on higher-speed roads. Standard MUTCD divided highway road signs mark the beginning and end of these sections.
- What should you do if you see a divided highway sign?
- When you see a divided highway ahead sign, prepare for the road to split into separate lanes for each direction of travel. Stay in your lane, follow any lane guidance markings, and be aware that oncoming traffic will soon be separated from your travel path. When you see the end of a divided highway sign (W6-2 or W6-2A), prepare for oncoming traffic to merge back onto the same roadway, requiring extra caution especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
- What materials are available for divided highway signs?
- All divided highway signs at Trafficsigns.com are manufactured on aluminum standard punched blanks with reflective sheeting. Three grades are available: Engineer Grade (standard reflectivity, suitable for most municipal and rural applications), High Intensity (very reflective, recommended for higher-speed roads and busier corridors), and Diamond Grade (ultra-reflective, the top choice for high-speed highways and areas requiring maximum nighttime visibility). All grades meet DOT and MUTCD state and federal standards.
- What sizes are available for divided highway warning signs?
- The W6-1, W6-1A, W6-2, and W6-2A warning signs are available in 24x24 inch, 30x30 inch, and 36x36 inch sizes. The MUTCD recommends a minimum 36-inch diamond for high-speed roadways above 45 mph. For local streets or lower-speed environments, the 24-inch size is commonly used. Regulatory crossing signs like the R6-3 are available in 24x18, 30x24, and 36x30 inch sizes.
- Are bulk discounts available on divided highway signs?
- Yes. Volume pricing tiers are available on most divided highway signs. For the W6-2A Divided Highway Ends Sign in 24-inch Engineer Grade, for example, the base price starts at $44.25 per sign, dropping to $42.48 at 4 units, $40.71 at 7 units, $38.94 at 16 units, and $37.17 at 50 or more units. Similar tiered pricing applies across the W6-1A, W6-1, and W6-2 series. Contact us for large-order quotes.
What Does a Divided Highway Ahead Sign Look Like?
The divided highway road sign is a yellow diamond shape, the standard shape for warning signs under the MUTCD. It displays two arrows that begin together and diverge outward, representing traffic splitting to travel on two separate roadways divided by a median or physical barrier. The symbol version (W6-1) relies entirely on this graphic, while the W6-1A version pairs the symbol with a text description for added clarity at complex intersections or where international drivers may be unfamiliar with U.S. road symbols.
These signs are typically posted 100 to 750 feet before the point of division, in urban or lower-speed areas. On rural highways above 55 mph, advance placement may extend to 1/4 to 1/2 miles to give drivers adequate reaction distance.
For a complete overview of road warning signs and how they are categorized, see the road signs guide on Trafficsigns.com.
Understanding the End of a Divided Highway Sign
The divided highway ends sign is the counterpart to the divided highway begins sign. Designated W6-2 (symbol only) and W6-2A (symbol with text), these signs warn drivers that the physical separation between opposing lanes of traffic is ending. Once past this point, drivers will share the roadway with oncoming vehicles, which significantly changes the driving environment.
The W6-2 and W6-2A signs use converging arrows that represent two separate roadways merging into a single roadway. They are especially critical in areas where drivers may be traveling at highway speeds and have grown accustomed to the safety buffer of a divided road. Missing or damaged divided highway ends signs can reduce driver expectancy and increase crash risk, particularly at night when the road configuration change is not visually obvious.
The W6-2 Divided Highway Ends Symbol Sign is a direct purchase option for municipalities, contractors, and transportation departments that need a fast, compliant replacement or new installation.
Divided Highway Crossing Signs and Related Regulatory Signs
Beyond the standard warning signs, several regulatory signs address situations where roads cross or interact with divided highways. The R6-3 Divided Highway Crossing Sign is used at intersections where a cross street meets a divided highway, alerting approaching drivers that the crossing involves separated lanes of traffic. For T-intersections specifically, the R6-3a designation applies.
In areas where light rail transit crosses a divided highway, the R15-7 and R15-7a signs provide the necessary advance warning to drivers. These signs combine the divided highway crossing symbol with a light rail indicator, ensuring drivers are aware of both the road configuration and the rail hazard.
For intersections where supplementary information is needed about stopping behavior, the R6-3 series can be paired with plaques or additional signs such as the W4-4P Cross Traffic Does Not Stop or W4-4B Oncoming Traffic Does Not Stop signs, both of which are available on Trafficsigns.com.
For intersections with dedicated bike infrastructure, the bicycle and pedestrian crossing sign W11-15 may also be relevant in the overall signage plan.
Divided Highway Sign Types at a Glance
The table below compares the primary divided highway signs by designation, function, shape, and recommended reflective grade to help you select the right sign for your application.
| Sign Designation | Sign Name | Shape | Function | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W6-1 | Divided Highway Symbol Sign | Diamond (Warning) | Warns of divided highway beginning ahead (symbol only) | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
| W6-1A | Divided Highway Sign | Diamond (Warning) | Warns of divided highway beginning ahead (symbol + text) | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
| W6-2 | Divided Highway Ends Symbol Sign | Diamond (Warning) | Warns that divided highway ends ahead (symbol only) | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
| W6-2A | Divided Highway Ends Sign | Diamond (Warning) | Warns that divided highway ends ahead (symbol + text) | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
| R6-3 | Divided Highway Crossing Sign | Rectangular (Regulatory) | Alerts drivers at cross streets that meet a divided highway | Engineer Grade or High Intensity |
| R6-3a | Divided Highway Crossing T Intersection Sign | Rectangular (Regulatory) | Alerts drivers at T-intersections with a divided highway | Engineer Grade or High Intensity |
| R15-7 | Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing Sign | Rectangular (Regulatory) | Warns of light rail transit crossing on a divided highway | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
| R15-7a | Light Rail Divided Highway Symbol T Intersection Sign | Rectangular (Regulatory) | Marks light rail crossing at a T-intersection with divided highway | High Intensity or Diamond Grade |
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All signs ship on reflective aluminum, meet DOT and MUTCD standards, and are available in multiple sizes and reflective grades. Volume pricing is available on most SKUs.
Order MUTCD-Compliant Divided Highway Signs Today
Trafficsigns.com stocks the complete series of divided highway road signs, from the W6-1A Divided Highway Sign to the W6-2A Divided Highway Ends Sign and the R6-3 crossing series. All signs are manufactured on reflective aluminum, meet DOT and MUTCD standards, and are available in multiple sizes and grades. Volume pricing is available for orders of 4 or more. Browse the full selection and place your order online, or contact our team for project-specific guidance.
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