Detours are a solution for redirecting traffic when sections of the road are blocked off for one reason or another. It’s kind of frustrating when a detour messes up your planned route, but they’re really not that big of a deal. Would you rather figure out how to navigate around closed roads without any guidance? Nah. Detours are okay.
Reasons for Detours
Streets get closed for any number of reasons. There could be construction (the most common cause) or a big event like a parade or marathon going on. It could be nature’s fault if there’s flooding or a fallen tree. Any issue that makes a section of roadway (or several streets!) unavailable for traffic can result in the roads being blocked off and a detour being set up to guide drivers around the affected area.
Watch Out for Pedestrians
Have you ever heard the saying “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire”? Well, you could also say where there’s construction, there are construction workers. That’s usually the case in the daytime especially. As you make your detour, look out for workers near the road and give them plenty of space. Likewise, if you’re detouring because of a public event, watch out for pedestrians crossing the street or wandering on foot nearby.
Follow the Signs
If you can see road signs, you can successfully make a detour. The detour signs (which are usually orange and black) will often feature arrows pointing which way to go, and a series of them will line your route until you end up in the same area your original route would have taken you. Just follow the detour signs and you’ll eventually get to where you need to be. Trust the signs.