The California application of the pedestrian detour marker, used to route pedestrians around sidewalk and crosswalk closures along an accessible alternate path.
MUTCD-style sign reference illustration. Always verify against the official CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign charts.
| Sign code | M4-9b(CA) |
|---|---|
| Federal code | M4-9b |
| Name | Pedestrian Detour (California) |
| Category | Pedestrian & Sidewalk Closure Signs |
| Shape | Rectangle (Horizontal) |
| Color | Orange background, black legend and symbol |
| California status | California-specific (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.
The California application of the pedestrian detour marker, used to route pedestrians around sidewalk and crosswalk closures along an accessible alternate path.
The California application of the pedestrian detour marker, used to route pedestrians around sidewalk and crosswalk closures along an accessible alternate path. In the field, M4-9b(CA) Pedestrian Detour (California) is typically positioned at the along the detour route at each decision point. Common deployments include accessible pedestrian routing around closures; used with R9-series sidewalk-closure signs; california right-of-way and encroachment-permit work. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
California emphasizes maintaining accessible pedestrian access; the pedestrian detour marker guides pedestrians around closures consistent with CA MUTCD and ADA requirements.
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: Along the detour route at each decision point.
CA MUTCD reference: CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F, and Part 2D (Guide Signs).
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.
Confirm the California pedestrian detour is accessible, continuous, and ADA-compliant. Public Ready reviews accessible pedestrian routing.
These signs are typically deployed alongside M4-9b(CA) on a California TCP.
Routing pedestrians on a California project? Public Ready can supply the California PEDESTRIAN DETOUR and sidewalk-closure signs.
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 M4-9b(CA) Pedestrian Detour (California), visit WorkZoneCompliance.com.
Public Ready can help with M4-9b(CA) Pedestrian Detour (California) — including sign rental or purchase, sidewalk-closure signs, ADA-compliant pedestrian routing, and TCP support, and agency-review support for Caltrans District 7, the City of Los Angeles, and LA County.
