A diversion temporarily reroutes vehicles onto alternative roads when the primary route is impassable due to construction, accidents, or heavy flooding. Traffic engineers map these out in advance to ensure the alternative roads can handle the sudden increase in volume and heavy vehicle weights. Temporary signage with specific symbols often guides drivers through the new path until they rejoin the original route.
Heard on the job
Follow the yellow square signs for the diversion around the bridge replacement.
Insider tip
In the UK, emergency diversions on motorways are marked with distinct geometric shapes like squares, triangles, and circles to guide drivers back to the main route.
Also heard as
- detour