Lane Closed Sign
The lane closed sign warns that one or more lanes ahead are closed due to construction or maintenance work. Drivers must merge into the open lane before the closure begins.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
A lane closed sign uses an X to mark the closed lane and an arrow to show the open lane drivers must merge into. It appears in advance of the actual lane closure to give drivers time to merge safely. The sign may indicate whether the right or left lane is closed. Ontario construction zones use the zipper merge method as the preferred technique for lane closures.
Quick Facts
Type
Temporary Sign
Shape
Diamond or rectangular
Colours
Orange background with black arrow and X symbol
In this guide
What does the Lane Closed Sign mean?
A lane closed sign uses an X to mark the closed lane and an arrow to show the open lane drivers must merge into. It appears in advance of the actual lane closure to give drivers time to merge safely. The sign may indicate whether the right or left lane is closed. Ontario construction zones use the zipper merge method as the preferred technique for lane closures.
What to do when you see it
Identify which lane is closed and which is open using the arrow and X on the sign. Use the zipper merge method: stay in the open lane and merge smoothly at the lane closure point. Do not cut off other vehicles in the open lane, but do not stop in the closing lane to wave vehicles in either. Both lanes should merge equally at the closure point.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
Lane closed signs appear at construction zones on all Ontario roads and highways. They are placed in a sequence with road work ahead and construction zone signs to give progressive advance notice of the lane reduction.
G1 test relevance
Lane merging in construction zones is tested in the G1 exam under both sign knowledge and highway driving rules. The zipper merge concept is taught in the Ontario driver's handbook as the safest and most efficient merging method.
Common mistakes drivers make
Moving to the open lane too early and then driving slowly to prevent other vehicles from using the still-open closing lane is inefficient and causes traffic backups. The zipper merge is the preferred method because using both lanes to the closure point reduces queue length.
Related Signs
Construction Zone Sign
The construction zone sign marks an area where road construction or maintenance work is underway. Reduced speed limits apply, fines are doubled for all offences, and drivers must obey all temporary traffic controls.
Learn moreRoad Work Ahead Sign
The road work ahead sign is an orange diamond sign that gives advance warning of a construction zone ahead. It signals drivers to slow down and prepare for changing road conditions, lane closures, or worker presence.
Learn moreFlagger Ahead Sign
The flagger ahead sign warns that a traffic control person (flagger) is directing traffic ahead in or near a construction zone. Drivers must obey all flagger directions, which have the same legal authority as traffic signals.
Learn moreMerge Sign
The merge sign warns that two lanes of traffic will combine into one ahead. Drivers must adjust their speed and position to merge smoothly and safely.
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