Marks the end of a detour route, telling drivers they have returned to the original road and the detour is complete.
MUTCD-style sign reference illustration. Always verify against the official CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign charts.
| Sign code | M4-9a |
|---|---|
| Federal code | M4-9a |
| Name | End Detour |
| Category | Detour Signs |
| Shape | Rectangle (Horizontal) |
| Color | Orange background, black legend (temporary traffic control use) |
| California status | Used in California per CA MUTCD |
| Typical CA minimum size | 24" × 12" (route marker / plaque) |
Download this sign or open the official MUTCD reference.
Official source: FHWA Standard Highway Signs, 2024 (11th Edition) — Guide signs.
Source: FHWA Standard Highway Signs — Public Domain. California: CA MUTCD 2026 (effective Jan 18, 2026).
Files linked from FHWA are official government publications in the public domain. CA MUTCD and Caltrans links open official government websites. Always verify against the current edition.
Marks the end of a detour route, telling drivers they have returned to the original road and the detour is complete.
Marks the end of a detour route, telling drivers they have returned to the original road and the detour is complete. In the field, M4-9a End Detour is typically positioned at the termination (downstream) area. Common deployments include point where the detour rejoins the original route; closes a sequence of DETOUR markers; used on both vehicle and posted detours. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Placed where a California detour rejoins the normal route, closing out the detour signing sequence.
Common field deployments
Agency review note
StreetsLA, LA County DPW, and Caltrans District 7 may require larger sizes or additional devices. Verify with the reviewing agency before finalizing the TCP.
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.
Where it sits: Termination (downstream) area.
CA MUTCD reference: CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F, and Part 2D (Guide Signs).
In Los Angeles, this sign must conform to CA MUTCD 2026. Work in City of LA right-of-way is reviewed by StreetsLA and the Bureau of Engineering (BOE); state highways in LA County are permitted and reviewed by Caltrans District 7; county roads are permitted by LA County DPW. Sizes, retroreflectivity, and placement must meet CA MUTCD minimums — local agencies may require larger signs based on roadway class, speed, pedestrian volume, and proximity to schools or transit.
Confirm END DETOUR is placed where traffic rejoins the route so drivers know the detour is over. Public Ready reviews detour termination.
These signs are typically deployed alongside M4-9a on a California TCP.
Need END DETOUR (M4-9a) to close a detour? Public Ready can supply it with the detour package.
Free official resource — opens official government website
Free official resource — opens official government website
Free official resource — opens official government website
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.
To understand the bigger picture around permits, agency review, lane closures, and pedestrian access for work zones using M4-9a End Detour, visit WorkZoneCompliance.com.
Public Ready can help with M4-9a End Detour — including sign rental or purchase, work-zone signs, TCP sign legends, and permit coordination, and agency-review support for Caltrans District 7, the City of Los Angeles, and LA County.
