One lane bridge sign: what it means
The ONE LANE BRIDGE sign warns that the bridge ahead is only wide enough for one lane of traffic. You may need to wait for oncoming vehicles.
What does the ONE LANE BRIDGE sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.19 says it should be used on two-way roads before a bridge or culvert with a roadway width of less than 16 feet, or less than 18 feet in some conditions. STOP or YIELD signs may also be used.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Traffic both ways shares one lane on the bridge.
- No vehicles over the weight shown.
- The road is closed to all traffic.
Show answer
A. Traffic both ways shares one lane on the bridge. The bridge ahead has room for only one lane (MUTCD Section 2C.19). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.19, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
On rural roads before old or narrow bridges.
What should you do?
Slow down and look across the bridge. If a vehicle is already on it or about to enter, wait for it to cross.
What do people get wrong?
Racing an oncoming car to the bridge.
Common questions
Who goes first?
If STOP or YIELD signs are posted, follow them. Otherwise, let a vehicle already on the bridge clear it.
How is it different from NARROW BRIDGE?
A narrow bridge still has room for two-way traffic. A one-lane bridge does not.
Compare with
Narrow bridge signThe bridge ahead is narrower than the road.
One lane road ahead signTraffic both ways shares one lane ahead.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2C.19.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.19, FHWA
- 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.