Closures rarely happen at convenient points. They occur when you're already committed to a segment. Pre-planned detour logic keeps decision quality high under pressure.
Identify Failure Points Early
Look at your route and mark locations where a closure would be costly: bridges, tunnel approaches, mountain passes, and limited-access interchanges. These are your primary failure points.
Build Two Levels of Backup
- Level 1: A local reroute that rejoins your main corridor quickly.
- Level 2: A full alternate corridor if the region remains blocked.
Level 1 detours handle short disruptions. Level 2 routes handle serious incidents where original assumptions are no longer valid.
Keep Detour Decisions Rule-Based
Define simple thresholds before departure. For example: if delay exceeds 25 minutes at a major choke point, switch to alternate corridor. Rules reduce indecision during high-stress moments.
Operational Rule
Never execute a major detour while moving through dense traffic. Pull over safely, review options, then continue.
Prepare Communication and Timing Flexibility
Detours affect arrival commitments. If your trip involves appointments or deliveries, pre-write a short delay message template so updates can be sent quickly and clearly.
After-Action Review Improves Future Routes
When a detour happens, capture what failed and what worked. Over time, this creates a stronger route-risk playbook tailored to your common corridors.
Plan Your Primary and Backup Route Now
Use our map and route comparison tools to prepare for unexpected closures before they happen.
Build Backup Routes
