M4-9b Pedestrian Detour Sign
Directs pedestrians along an alternate accessible route when a sidewalk or crosswalk on their normal path is closed.
| Sign code | M4-9b |
|---|---|
| Federal code | M4-9b |
| Name | Pedestrian Detour |
| Category | Detour Signs |
| Shape | Rectangle (Horizontal) |
| Color | Orange background, black legend and symbol (temporary traffic control use) |
| California status | Used in California per CA MUTCD |
| Typical CA minimum size | 24" × 12" (route marker / plaque) |
What This Sign Means
Directs pedestrians along an alternate accessible route when a sidewalk or crosswalk on their normal path is closed.
California Temporary Traffic Control Use
Used in California to route pedestrians around sidewalk or crosswalk closures, supporting an accessible pedestrian path through or around the work zone.
Common TCP Context
- Sidewalk and crosswalk closures requiring a pedestrian route
- Used with R9-series sidewalk-closed signing
- Maintaining ADA-accessible pedestrian access
California Size Requirements
Typical minimum: 24" × 12" (route marker / plaque).
Sizes are CA MUTCD minimums and vary by roadway classification and speed. Verify against the CA MUTCD 2026 (CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F, and Part 2D (Guide Signs)), Caltrans sign specifications, and the reviewing agency.
Common Placement on a TCP
Where it sits: Along the detour route at each decision point.
CA MUTCD reference: CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F, and Part 2D (Guide Signs).
Los Angeles Area Usage Notes
In Los Angeles, pedestrian routing is scrutinized by plan reviewers. The City of LA Bureau of Engineering (BOE) and StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) require TCPs to maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian access at all times or provide a clearly marked, compliant alternate route. Show barricades, signs, and accessible surfaces on the plan; on state highways in LA County, Caltrans District 7 reviews the encroachment permit and TCP.
Common Plan Review Comments
- 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.
Plan Review Notes
Confirm the pedestrian detour is accessible, continuous, and clearly signed from closure to reconnection. Public Ready reviews pedestrian routing.
Signs Commonly Used Together
These signs are typically deployed alongside M4-9b on a California TCP.
Rent or Purchase This Sign
Rerouting pedestrians? Public Ready can supply PEDESTRIAN DETOUR (M4-9b) and the sidewalk-closure signs.
Official References
- California MUTCD (Caltrans)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Federal MUTCD (FHWA)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Caltrans Sign Charts
Free official resource — opens official government website
- FHWA Standard Highway Signs
Free official resource — opens official government website
Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements.
Related Signs
Need signs for a California project?
Need to rent, purchase, or include traffic control signs on a California project? Public Ready can help with sign rental, purchase, sign packages, TCP sign legends, and permit coordination.