Signs, signs, everywhere are signs. What do they mean?

KING OF PRUSSIA — Some of us might ask, what in the world are those signs along highways with a colored arrow and the word “Detour”?

The less obvious answer is that they are referred to as Emergency Detour Color Trailblazer signs.

Still confused?

According to PennDOT Deputy Communications Director Brad Rudolph, those signs are part of an “incident management route” or alternate route when there is a road closure along a freeway or expressway.

“They are emergency detour routes and set up to assist emergency responders,” Rudolph said. “Colors are based on direction.

“The signs are located along the detour route for each freeway.”

The following is part of the PennDOT manual, Emergency Detour Signing: “A key component of incident management is to establish a clearly defined detour route to assist motorists around a crash, natural disaster, hazardous material spill, or other unplanned incidents.

“Detour routes need to be instituted in a timely manner to reduce delays, queues and the potential for secondary crashes.

“Emergency Detour Route signs will facilitate the driver in navigating around an incident providing these signs are consistent, conspicuous, and convey clear concise messages.

“Signs should be located between every interchange and on all limited access highways.

“Emergency detour routes shall be determined with input from, but not limited to: state police, county emergency management, local municipalities and emergency responders, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission when applicable,” according to the manual.

Signs should also be located at the end of off-ramps and in advance of all required turns and important decision points along the emergency detour route.

The signs work in tandem; in addition to the trailblazer signs, an Emergency Detour – Follow Arrow sign should be erected on the off-ramp either as a hinged permanent sign installation or placed on temporary supports on an as-needed basis.

“If permanent folded signs are used, it is recommended that alternate messages be incorporated on the otherwise blank front side of the sign panel to make good use of supports and to avoid the ‘blank sign’ appearance,” reads the manual.

To develop statewide consistency in color usage, the following rule should be applied:

Blue………..North Detour

Red…………South Detour

Green………East Detour

Black………West Detour