Narrow bridge sign: what it means

NARROW BRIDGE sign: a yellow diamond with the words NARROW BRIDGE in black
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign W5-2. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The NARROW BRIDGE sign warns that the bridge ahead is narrower than the road. There may be no shoulder and less room to pass.

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What does the NARROW BRIDGE sign mean?

MUTCD Section 2C.18 says it should be used before a bridge or culvert with a two-way roadway width of 16 to 18 feet, or narrower than the approach lanes. It may also be used where the shoulders narrow or end on the bridge.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

  1. Traffic both ways shares one lane on the bridge.
  2. No vehicles over the weight shown.
  3. The bridge ahead is narrower than the road.

Show answer

C. The bridge ahead is narrower than the road. The bridge or culvert ahead is narrow (MUTCD Section 2C.18). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.18, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

Before older and rural bridges.

What should you do?

Slow down, keep right and take extra care when meeting large vehicles on the bridge.

What do people get wrong?

Meeting a truck in the middle of the bridge at speed. Slow down or wait.

Common questions

Can two vehicles pass on a narrow bridge?

Usually yes, but with little room. If the bridge is only wide enough for one, the ONE LANE BRIDGE sign is used.

Why is there no shoulder?

Section 2C.18 says the sign may be used where the shoulders are narrowed or eliminated on the bridge.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2C.18.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.18, FHWA
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.

This text was written with AI help, checked against the MUTCD and approved by Fri Vei AS. Last updated .

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