Under what conditions is a detour sign preferred over a direct closure?

• A. When detours are cheaper
• B. When closing the route entirely
• C. When maintaining continuity of travel through the area is feasible and safe
• D. When there are no pedestrians

Answer: (C)

Detour signs are used when it’s feasible and safe to keep traffic moving around the work area while clearly guiding drivers along an alternate route. This maintains continuity of travel, preserves access for local residents and businesses, and reduces travel time and confusion compared to a full road closure. If there isn’t a safe or practical detour available, or the work zone makes any through movement unsafe, a direct closure may be necessary. The other options don’t address the practical, safety-driven reason for using a detour: keeping traffic flow ongoing in a controlled way.