Detour ahead sign
Traffic will be routed around a closed road ahead. Follow the detour signs.
MUTCD designation W20-2. See the federal MUTCD, page 22.
How to read signs like this
Orange means temporary traffic control: road work, detours and flaggers. Slow down, obey the flagger and watch for workers.
Practice question
What should you expect after this orange sign?
- A Workers will be on the shoulder only
- B Traffic will be sent off this road onto another route
- C One lane will be shared by traffic from both directions
- D A flagger will stop traffic ahead
Show answer
B. Traffic will be sent off this road onto another route
A detour moves traffic onto another road or route around the work. Follow the orange detour arrows and markers until they lead you back. Watch for the change, which may involve turns onto streets you do not know.
Source: MUTCD 11th ed., page 842
Related signs
Road work ahead
Road closed ahead
One lane road ahead
Flagger ahead (symbol)
Workers (symbol)
Workers (word sign)
Shoulder work
Road work next milesAll road signs · Road sign flashcards (free)