Top 19 Detour Signs: Traffic Control Made Clear

Construction zones can be frustrating for drivers, but the right detour sign can make them more manageable. Our comprehensive guide reviews the most reliable detour signs available, comparing their visibility, durability, and ease of use so you can choose the perfect solution for your next project.

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Reviews

48" x 18" Aluminum Detour Sign

When you need to clearly indicate a detour, this aluminum sign delivers with its 48-inch length and engineering-grade prismatic reflectivity. The heavy-duty. 080 aluminum construction ensures it'll last through years of outdoor use, while the pre-punched mounting holes and radius corners make it easy to install. The MUTCD-compliant design with its orange diamond shape and black legend gives you peace of mind that your message will be seen and understood by drivers.

Lyle Detour Sign, 15" x 30" M4-8-30HA

This durable orange aluminum traffic sign measures 15 by 30 inches and features black text legend "Detour" with high-intensity prismatic retroreflective grade for visibility. The sign is MUTCD compliant and backed with clear film laminate for protection, with mounting holes every 12 inches for secure installation. Made in the USA by a veteran-owned business, it offers excellent durability with an outdoor lifespan of 5 to 8 years in both sun and rain.

Detour Sign by Emedco

These durable traffic signs are designed to clearly indicate detours, with their 24 by 24 inch size making them easily visible from a distance. The engineer-grade reflective coating ensures they remain visible at night, while the Duroshield topcoat protects the sign from weather damage.

Lyle Detour Sign

When a detour is necessary, this aluminum sign with its high-intensity prismatic reflective coating ensures drivers can see it from far away—up to 1,000 feet at night. The robust sign, built to last 5-8 years in any weather, meets federal traffic standards and keeps workers safe with its clear film laminate protection. Its compact size and roll-up storage make it practical for any traffic control situation.

BannerBuzz Personalized Detour Arrow Sign

These sturdy aluminum signs direct traffic with clear detour arrows, featuring durable latex-printed graphics that resist fading and scratches. The 24x24 inch square signs adhere easily with pressure-sensitive backing and remain weatherproof thanks to their lamination.

Eastern Metal C36 SBFP 3FH HD Detour Sign

A diamond-shaped detour sign made of vinyl with superbright retroreflective surface, standing 36 inches tall and wide. The pink background features black text reading "Detour Ahead" on one side only. Included are a roll-up sign stand, flag holder, storage case, and mounting hardware.

PRO-SAFE 07-800-4702-L Detour Traffic Sign

This handy traffic control sign lets drivers know there's a detour ahead, with its triangular shape and clear message visible from all sides. At 48 inches tall, it's tall enough to stand out while staying simple enough to read quickly. It mounts easily on a stand, making it perfect for temporary road closures or construction zones where you need to warn passersby to take an alternative route.

18x24 Detour Sign

Made from tough corrugated plastic, this USA-made yard sign brings serious durability to your landscaping. Standing 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, it's designed to last through all seasons. The included ground stake makes installation a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time replacing worn-out signs.

Detour Sign Wall Decals

These peel-and-stick fabric detour signs use a clever water-based adhesive that lets you move them around the wall as much as you like - no sticky residue left behind. Coming in three handy sizes, from 12" to 24" across, they're super simple to install and just as easy to clean up if you ever want to change your mind.

Aluminum Detour Sign

This durable aluminum detour sign features a prominent left arrow design in black ink on an orange diamond background, meeting MUTCD specifications for highway use. The 30-inch by 24-inch sign is crafted from. 080 aluminum with prismatic reflectors for excellent visibility, while its radius corners and pre-punched mounting holes ensure easy installation. The rust-resistant design is built to withstand years of outdoor use.

30" High-Luminance Detour Sign

This high-intensity traffic sign dramatically improves visibility with three times the brightness of standard models, thanks to its prismatic sheeting. At 30 inches square, the durable design withstands harsh weather while maintaining clear visibility up to 1,000 feet in the dark. The sign's compliance with federal and state codes makes it a practical choice for professional use in construction zones and other traffic control applications.

Eastern 669-C/48-SBFP-D Detour Traffic Sign

This diamond-shaped detour sign stands 48 inches tall and 48 inches wide, featuring clear English instructions printed on durable vinyl. When you need to direct traffic around an obstacle or construction site, this roll-up sign provides an effective visual solution.

Detour Arrow Sign

When you need to redirect traffic or point out an alternate route, this durable aluminum sign does the job with its clear arrow design. You can choose from different types of reflective sheets to make it super visible in any lighting - great for construction zones or busy intersections where you want everyone to take a detour.

Retro Metal Sign

This right arrow detour sign from Lilyanaen combines elegant retro design with premium materials that resist fading and peeling. The pre-drilled holes make it simple to install in various indoor or outdoor settings, while its water-resistant construction ensures lasting durability. The clean lines and non-glare surface create a professional visual impact whether you're decorating a bar, cafe, or any space where clear signage is essential.

30x24 Detour Sign with Right Arrow

This sturdy 30" x 24" detour sign made from. 080 aluminum with reflective sheeting helps drivers find their way around roadblocks. Its right arrow points the way to alternative routes clearly in low-light conditions.

NMC Cone Sign - Detour

These cone signs make it simple to mark detours with clear, visible warnings. The clever design lets you attach the sign directly to the traffic cone, so you can set up your warning quickly and efficiently.

48" Eastern Metal Detour Sign

This diamond-shaped detour sign stands tall at 48 inches, made from durable polyester and PVC materials. Its clear English message is perfectly suited for directing traffic around construction or road closures. The roll-up sign stand makes it easy to set up and store when not in use.

Custom Detour Road Sign

These aluminum detour signs combine durable construction with high-intensity 3M reflective coating for clear visibility in traffic. The 18-inch square signs feature digital graphics and protective lamination for lasting use in road construction zones.

Benignidad Closed Road Detour Sign

The Benignidad road closed detour sign stands tall at 40 inches by 44 inches, featuring a weather-resistant plastic frame that can brave outdoor conditions. Its simple yet effective design makes it perfect for directing traffic at events or parties, while the self-standing easel back means setup is a breeze. This high-quality cardboard cutout brings professional signage to your next gathering.

Buyer's Guide

A detour sign provides clear and concise directions to an alternate route when the original path is unavailable. Understanding what to look for in a detour sign ensures you choose one that effectively communicates your intended message while remaining visible and safe for all road users.

Size and Visibility

The sign must be large enough to be seen from a distance while remaining proportionate to its surroundings. Standard sizes range from 30 to 60 inches diagonally for most applications. Night visibility is crucial, so consider signs with retroreflective materials or lighting features to ensure they remain legible in low-light conditions.

Reflectivity and Durability

Materials like reflective sheeting enhance visibility during nighttime or poor weather conditions. High-durability plastic or metal signs resist weather damage and maintain their shape and text clarity over time. Signs intended for public use should meet specific standards for durability and impact resistance.

Text and Graphics

Clear, bold text with simple graphics effectively conveys information. Standard symbols include arrows indicating direction, a bicycle silhouette for shared-use paths, and a stop sign with a slash for cancelled routes. Text should be consistent with local traffic signs and use standard font styles for easy recognition.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Check local ordinances and traffic regulations regarding sign requirements, placement restrictions, and mandatory elements. Proper installation height, location within visible sightlines, and required distances from intersections may vary by jurisdiction. Consulting with local authorities ensures your sign meets all necessary standards.

FAQ

What is a detour sign?

A detour sign is a traffic control device that guides drivers to an alternative route when a usual path is blocked or unavailable. These signs typically feature a zigzag pattern to indicate a detour is necessary.

Detour signs help reduce traffic congestion and ensure public safety by directing drivers around construction sites, accidents, or other obstacles on the usual route.

What materials are detour signs made of?

Detour signs are commonly made from durable plastic or metal with reflective coatings for visibility. This material combination ensures the signs remain legible even in low light conditions.

Some models include raised characters or symbols for improved readability and enhanced visibility during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.

How do I properly install a detour sign?

Detour signs should be mounted on a sturdy base or pole to prevent tipping over. The sign's base should be securely fastened to the ground or pole to maintain stability.

Install signs at least 20 feet from the obstruction, and place them where they can be seen by drivers approaching from all directions. Signs should be no taller than 7 feet to avoid obstructing visibility.

What size options are available for detour signs?

Standard detour signs measure 24 inches by 36 inches, making them easy to read from a distance. Some manufacturers offer smaller or larger sizes based on specific needs or regulations.

Custom sizes can accommodate different languages or additional information. Check local regulations, as sign sizing requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

How long do detour signs last?

When properly maintained, detour signs can last 5 to 10 years. Factors affecting longevity include exposure to weather elements, frequency of use, and quality of materials.

Regularly check signs for damage or fading. Replace signs showing significant wear or obscured text to ensure they remain effective safety devices.

Are detour signs legally enforceable?

Detour signs are advisory rather than legally enforceable, but they help drivers anticipate delays and choose alternative routes. They are part of the standard traffic control devices used by municipalities.

While drivers should follow posted detour signs, law enforcement typically addresses non-compliance through citation of traffic violations rather than specifically detour signs.

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