DEAD END and NO OUTLET Signs

The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) provides standards and guidelines for the use of traffic signs, pavement markings, traffic signals, and other traffic control devices in our state. The Manual applies to all roads open to public travel in Ohio.

Traffic signs are addressed in Part 2 of the OMUTCD. The use of DEAD END and NO OUTLET Signs is discussed in Section 2C.26 from Chapter 2C – Warning Signs and Object Markers.

Section 2C.26 DEAD END / NO OUTLET Signs (W14-1, W14-1a, W14-2, W14-2a)

Option: The DEAD END (W14-1) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used at the entrance of a single road or street that terminates in a dead end or cul-de-sac. The NO OUTLET (W14-2) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used at the entrance to a road or road network from which there is no other exit.

The DEAD END (W14-1a) or NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs (see Figure 2C-5) may be used in combination with the Street Name (D3-1) signs (see Section 2D.43) to warn turning traffic that the cross street ends in the direction indicated by the arrow.

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At locations where the cross street does not have a name, the W14-1a or W14-2a signs may be used alone in place of a street name sign.

Standard: The DEAD END (W14-1a) and NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs shall be horizontal rectangles with an arrow pointing to the left or right.

When the W14-1 or W14-2 sign is used, the sign shall be posted as near as practical to the entry point or at a sufficient advance distance to permit the road user to avoid the dead end or no outlet condition by turning at the nearest intersecting street.

The DEAD END (W14-1a) and NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs shall not be used instead of the W14-1 and W14-2 signs where traffic can proceed straight through the intersection into the dead end street or no outlet area.

Please refer also to OMUTCD Section 2C.66 – Object Markers for Ends of Roadways.

Questions about traffic signs and standards may be directed to the following personnel from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT): Jim Roth, P.E., Signing Engineer – (614) 752‐0438; and Traffic Standards/Publications staff from the Office of Roadway Engineering. Assistance may also be available from Traffic Engineering staff at the ODOT District Office in your area. Townships and other local agencies are also encouraged to work with their County Engineer’s office regarding roadway and traffic issues.

DISCLAIMER: This RON Technical Update is provided for purposes of general information only. This is not a primary technical or legal authority, and should not be relied upon as such. Interested persons should refer to the source publications referenced herein. Please note also that information

contained in this document could become outdated or obsolete over time.

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