PennDOT installing colored detour signs in Pittsburgh area

The Associated Press

3/26/2008

PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is installing colored signs around Pittsburgh to help motorists find their way through emergency detours.

PennDOT says the signs point to detours off interstates or expressways for crashes, natural disasters, hazardous spills or other incidents.

Motorists will be directed off at the nearest exchanges, then will follow the signs to get around the blocked area and back onto the main highway. The signs are based on five colors: black, blue, red, green and orange.

The program grew from a February 2007 emergency when snow and ice closed three Central Pennsylvania highways for more than 24 hours, stranding motorists.

Signs are going up elsewhere in the state, including around Philadelphia.