Recently, a number of signs have started appearing around Delaware and no one knows why. These either say ‘Blue detour’ or ‘Red detour’ and due to being pretty rare, they’re also confusing a lot of people. However, like everything in life, there is a good explanation. This isn’t some kind of bizarre conspiracy to change the face of road signs forever. Neither is it a plot to make driving more difficult. Instead, there is actually a pretty simple explanation so read on for more details.

So, what do these signs actually mean? Firstly, don’t worry as these aren’t permanent either.

In short, these diversion signs are strategically placed to facilitate the necessary closures of specific sections of Interstate 95 during the construction work at the 896/95 interchange. Please feel free to adhere to these directional signs. DelDOT/Wagman Heavy Civil will display distinctive “orange” signage when the scheduled shutdowns of I-95 are imminent.

In the event of a northbound I-95 closure, the shutdown will occur immediately following the Maryland toll plaza. Motorists will need to exit at the last Maryland exit and follow the detour route through Newark in order to rejoin I-95 northbound. Conversely, if southbound I-95 is subject to closure, traffic will be directed off the 273 exit and routed through Newark to reach Maryland and reconnect with I-95 southbound. More information can be found here.