Sidewalk closed signs – Importance and correct placement

Traffic signs are extremely important tools that allow pedestrians as well as automobile drivers to navigate on the roads safely and efficiently. These signs help alert civilians of any construction or repair work that is underway at sidewalks and roads or if a sidewalk or road has been closed due to an emergency. If you’re authorized to install traffic signs, it is important to pay close attention to how and where the sidewalk closed signs are placed.

The importance of sidewalk closed signs
Sidewalk closed signs or other traffic signs are meant to redirect ongoing traffic and pedestrians from an area that is undergoing construction or is closed for any other reason. These signs ensure people’s safety and prevent any unfortunate accidents, but the general public often ignores signs pertaining to sidewalks and crosswalks. More often than not, people are seen walking across these construction sites mindlessly, with no concern for their own personal wellbeing or that of others. So, these signs should be placed in such a manner that they cannot be ignored.

The correct placement of sidewalk closed signs
When placing sidewalk closed signs, it is important to keep in mind that most pedestrians walk along their usual path without much thought. One rarely pays attention to their surroundings unless something actively distracts them. So, a sidewalk closed sign must be eye-catching to have the required impression on pedestrians and help them navigate safely:

• Sidewalk Closed (R9)
  This sign simply states that the particular sidewalk is closed. It is usually installed at the beginning of the closed sidewalk and at the intersections preceding the closed sidewalk. Additionally, multiple signs can be placed along the closed sidewalk if needed, especially if the construction site is long.
• Sidewalk Closed (Arrow), Use Other Side (R9-10)
  This sign mentions that the concerned sidewalk is closed and also redirects people to another sidewalk that they can use instead. This type of sidewalk closed sign is ideally installed at the beginning of the restricted sidewalk in areas where a parallel sidewalk exists on the other side of the road.
• Sidewalk Closed Ahead (Arrow) Cross Here (R9-11)
  This type of sidewalk closed sign is used to alert pedestrians about sidewalks ahead of the sign being closed and direct them to an alternative sidewalk, crosswalk, or another path that they can take instead. This sign should ideally be installed just beyond the point to which pedestrians are being redirected.