PEDESTRIAN DETOUR (CALIFORNIA) Sign Requirements

1. When a PEDESTRIAN DETOUR (CALIFORNIA) Sign Is Used

The California application of the pedestrian detour marker, used to route pedestrians around sidewalk and crosswalk closures along an accessible alternate path. Official depiction: Caltrans CA Sign Chart, 2014 Revision 3 (Sheet 14). Official title per CA MUTCD Table 6F-101(CA): “Pedestrian Detour (California)” (Section 6F/6P). No standalone Caltrans specification drawing is published for this sign. This is the California version of the federal M4-9 “Detour” family; the federal M4-9 specification is available in this repository.

• Accessible pedestrian routing around closures
• Used with R9-series sidewalk-closure signs
• California right-of-way and encroachment-permit work

2. How and Where It Applies

The California application of the pedestrian detour marker, used to route pedestrians around sidewalk and crosswalk closures along an accessible alternate path. Official depiction: Caltrans CA Sign Chart, 2014 Revision 3 (Sheet 14). Official title per CA MUTCD Table 6F-101(CA): “Pedestrian Detour (California)” (Section 6F/6P). No standalone Caltrans specification drawing is published for this sign. This is the California version of the federal M4-9 “Detour” family; the federal M4-9 specification is available in this repository. In the field, M4-9b(CA) Pedestrian Detour (California) is typically positioned at the along the detour route at each decision point. Common deployments include accessible pedestrian routing around closures; used with R9-series sidewalk-closure signs; california right-of-way and encroachment-permit work. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

3. Placement and Application Notes

Along the detour route at each decision point.

• Place the sign where drivers have a clear, unobstructed view on approach.
• Mount at the standard height and setback from the edge of the traveled way.
• Do not mount with other signs on the same post unless space constraints require it.

4. Standard Sizes and Visibility Considerations

Typical minimum: 24" × 12" (route marker / plaque).

• Choose size based on roadway speed, sight distance, and mounting location.
• Maintain high retroreflectivity for maximum night and adverse-weather visibility.

5. California Notes

California emphasizes maintaining accessible pedestrian access; the pedestrian detour marker guides pedestrians around closures consistent with CA MUTCD and ADA requirements.

6. Common Field or Planning Mistakes

• No ADA-compliant alternate pedestrian route shown on the TCP.
• Sidewalk closure not signed in advance (cross-here / ahead signs missing).
• Accessible width and surface of the pedestrian detour not noted.
• Barricades and detectable edging not shown at the closure.