Directs pedestrians along an alternate accessible route when a sidewalk or crosswalk on their normal path is closed.
MUTCD-style sign reference illustration. Always verify against the official CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign charts.
| 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) |
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.
Directs pedestrians along an alternate accessible route when a sidewalk or crosswalk on their normal path is closed.
Directs pedestrians along an alternate accessible route when a sidewalk or crosswalk on their normal path is closed. In the field, M4-9b Pedestrian Detour is typically positioned at the along the detour route at each decision point. Common deployments include sidewalk and crosswalk closures requiring a pedestrian route; used with R9-series sidewalk-closed signing; maintaining ADA-accessible pedestrian access. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Used in California to route pedestrians around sidewalk or crosswalk closures, supporting an accessible pedestrian path through or around the work zone.
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 pedestrian detour is accessible, continuous, and clearly signed from closure to reconnection. Public Ready reviews pedestrian routing.
These signs are typically deployed alongside M4-9b on a California TCP.
Rerouting pedestrians? Public Ready can supply PEDESTRIAN DETOUR (M4-9b) and the 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 Pedestrian Detour, visit WorkZoneCompliance.com.
Public Ready can help with M4-9b Pedestrian Detour — 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.
