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One Lane Bridge sign

A bridge ahead on a two-way road is wide enough for only one vehicle at a time.

What to do

Slow down and yield to any vehicle already on or about to enter the bridge from the other end.

Look across before entering and wait if another vehicle is already on or about to enter the bridge from the other end.

Where it's used

Section 2C.19 says a ONE LANE BRIDGE (W5-3) sign should be used on two-way roads before any bridge or culvert narrower than 16 feet, narrower than 18 feet where there are many commercial vehicles, or 18 feet or less with short sight distance. It is a black-on-yellow diamond word sign, with object markers, delineators or pavement markings for emphasis, and a ONE LANE UNDERPASS (W5-3a) version exists. STOP or YIELD signs may be added on an approach to control who goes first.

Don't confuse it with

  • Narrow Bridge: A narrow bridge still has room for two vehicles to pass carefully, while a one-lane bridge does not.
  • One Lane Road Ahead: The orange ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD sign warns of a temporary work-zone lane closure, not a permanent one-lane bridge.
One Lane Bridge sign
Type
Warning signs
Shape
Diamond
Colors
yellow, black
MUTCD code
W5-3
MUTCD section
2C.19

On state permit tests

Our questions for 3 states ask about this sign, including Alabama, Florida and Ohio.

Test yourself

What does a ONE LANE BRIDGE sign warn you of? (Alabama practice test)

  • Toll bridge
  • Trucks only
  • There isn't room on the bridge to meet or pass another vehicle
  • The bridge is closed
Show answer

There isn't room on the bridge to meet or pass another vehicle. The bridge ahead is only wide enough for one vehicle, so you can't meet or pass another car or truck on it.

What should you do when you see a ONE LANE BRIDGE sign? (Florida practice test)

  • Make sure the bridge is clear of oncoming traffic before you cross
  • Cross quickly before oncoming traffic arrives
  • Sound your horn and cross
  • Stay to the far right and cross alongside oncoming traffic
Show answer

Make sure the bridge is clear of oncoming traffic before you cross. A one lane bridge fits only one vehicle at a time, so make sure it is clear of oncoming traffic before crossing.

More warning signs

Road signs testAll road signs

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2C.19. Sign image: public domain, source.