Detour Signs

What are Detour Signs, and how are they used?

Detour Signs are “temporary traffic control” (TTC) guide signs that are placed along the path of a detour route. When the normal travel route is interrupted by a work zone, Detour Signs safely guide motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists through an alternate route.

Who uses Detour Signs?

Municipalities, utility companies, property developers, and highway contractors are typical users of Detour Signs as they perform infrastructure maintenance, building construction, and highway road work.

Who uses Detour Signs?

Developers, private utility companies, municipalities, and road work contractors use Detour Signs to temporarily close sidewalks and protect pedestrians from construction or utility hazards.

What other traffic signs or devices are used with Detour Signs?

Signs that mark a travel route closure, such as Sidewalk Closed Signs and Road Closed Signs, are often used alongside Detour Signs. A Road Closed Sign (R11-2) and a Detour Sign are commonly installed together onto a Type 3 Barricade at a roadway closure.

What colors are used for Detour Signs?

Like most TTC signs, Detour Signs and Placards are orange with black text and symbols. The exact background color differs between the two sheeting options: high-intensity prismatic sheeting is orange, and full-cube prismatic sheeting is fluorescent orange.

What do Detour Signs look like?

The defining feature of most signs in this category is an arrow, which is used to direct road users toward the next point of the detour. The shape of an arrow can be customized to match the geometry of the detour route. Find more information in the Customizations section on this page.

What sign sizes do you offer?

Diamond-shaped signs are available in three sizes: 30”x30”, 36”x36”, and 48”x48”. For most roads and highways, 36-inch sign should be used. 48-inch signs are designed for interstate use. 30-inch signs fulfill the federal minimum sign dimensions and are used for low-speed, low-volume roads.

• 30x30 - For low-speed, low-volume roads only
• 36x36 - For most roads and highways
• 48x48 - For interstate use

How do I start the customization process?

We can work with you directly to customize a Detour Sign. Contact us via email or phone if you would like us to create a custom design from scratch. If you have a custom design already prepared, you can send it to sales@ricesigns.com.

Can I customize the arrow shape on Arrow Detour Signs?

Yes, the arrow shape can be customized to best match the geometry of the detour route. Arrows can be modified to point diagonally to the right or left, up and then to the right or left, or any other arrow shape that you need for your project.

What messaging can I customize on a Detour Ahead Sign?

The distance information on a Detour Ahead Sign is customizable. The “Ahead” messaging can be replaced with a specific distance in miles or feet. For example, customized signs can read “Detour 1/2 Mile” or “Detour 500 Ft”. The most common customizations can be selected from a drop-down menu on the Detour Ahead Sign page. For other custom distances not listed, contact us.

For Detour Signs with street name information, what if the custom street name is too long to fit?

Two options are available. One, the street name can be abbreviated to fit onto the sign with no change in text appearance. For example, “Martin Luther King Boulevard” can be shortened to “MLK Blvd”. Two, the letter spacing can be reduced for the street name to fit onto the Detour Sign. In the case that the street name isn’t easily abbreviated or reformatted, we can design a supplementary sign with the street name information on it. The supplementary street name sign will be orange with black text and should be mounted above the main Detour Sign.

What should I use to mount Detour Signs?

Round, square, and U-channel posts can be used to mount Detour Signs. Most signs can be mounted onto a single sign post, with the only exception being the Detour Enclosed In Right/Left Arrow Sign, which requires two sign posts. The hardware you need to mount Detour Signs can be found on our Sign Mounting Hardware page.

Can I mount a Detour Sign onto a Barricade?

Yes, Detour Signs can be mounted directly onto a Barricade, typically a Type 3 Barricade. Signs are usually installed onto the barricade boards, but some jurisdictions require Detour Signs to be installed above the Barricade.

Where are Detour Signs placed?

Signs are placed ahead of work zones, as well as at the beginning, middle, and end of a detour route. Diamond-shaped Detour Ahead Signs are placed on roadsides ahead of work zones. These signs give drivers on local roads, highways, and interstates advance notice that the upcoming travel route has been interrupted. For Detour Signs designed with an arrow, signs are placed so that the arrow points to the beginning of the detour route. These arrow signs are also placed throughout the detour route.

What materials, compliance, and standards are used in the manufacturing process?

Signs are made to meet the design guidelines in the MUTCD. We use rustproof .080” aluminum as a base for your choice of sheeting material, high-intensity prismatic or full-cube prismatic. For Detour Signs, the high-intensity prismatic sheeting is orange, and the full-cube prismatic sheeting is fluorescent orange.

How are Detour Signs packaged?

Detour Signs are packaged back-to-back, with a layer of slip sheeting covering the sign face on each side. Smaller signs typically ship by UPS; however, large signs like the 48-inch by 48-inch and the 60-inch signs ship by LTL truck freight. We maintain a large inventory of road work safety products that are available for fast shipment. Items that require customization typically require additional time before shipment.

Where can I find more information about Detour Signs?

You can find additional guidance in Chapters 6H and 6I of the MUTCD.