Detours

A detour is a deviation from a planned or direct route. It may be temporary or persistent and is commonly used in transportation, navigation, and logistics to bypass obstacles, hazards, or interruptions. A detour leads travelers away from their intended path to a different course that is still considered a valid route to the destination.

In road transportation, detours are typically established when roads close for construction, accidents, weather, or maintenance. Drivers are guided along a detour route by signage, barriers, or electronic signals, and navigation apps may propose alternate paths. Detours can increase travel distance, time, and fuel consumption and may introduce unfamiliar traffic patterns.

In aviation, maritime, and rail contexts, detours or diversions route flights or ships around adverse conditions such as storms, restricted airspace, or navigational hazards. These detours are planned to ensure safety and compliance with regulations and are coordinated by air traffic control or maritime authorities.

Etymology and usage: The word detour derives from the French détour, meaning turning aside. In English usage, detour and diversion are often used interchangeably, though some jurisdictions distinguish a detour as a temporary rerouting and a diversion as a longer-term change. Usage varies by country.

Computing usage: In software development, Detours is the name of a Microsoft library used to intercept and instrument Windows API calls, illustrating a figurative use of the word beyond physical routing.