In This Together —Temporary Signage Guide

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Helping Customers Find You

Businesses can create temporary signage to enhance visibility throughout a project. This can be particularly important if your business caters to tourists who might be unfamiliar with the area. You can also find this information in the Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the business coordination guide located on the main page.

Please be aware that WisDOT’s temporary business signage policy applies to state highway projects only. Costs for temporary signage are paid by businesses.Workers put the detour sign

  • WisDOT’s role – Providing guidance and policy on size and lettering.
  • Business role – Managing creation, installation and removal of signs within department protocols.

Standards

Here are the statewide signage standards. Project staff can help you with any additional questions.

  • Signs for one business -- maximum size of 3 feet by 3 feet
  • Signs for multiple businesses -- maximum size of 4 feet by 8 feet
  • Signs on roadways 45 mph or less -- 4-inch lettering
  • Signs on roadways over 45 mph -- 6-inch lettering
  • Logos on signs cannot exceed 4 square feet

When To Start The Process

It’s never too early to identify vendors who can assist with the signs. It’s recommended to order signs several months in advance of construction. Project staff can provide more refined guidance to the overall project scope. Businesses are responsible for installing and removing signs.

How To ApplyA worker installs temporary business signage.

Business owners may use the application worksheet. Please consult with project staff if there are questions or a language translation is needed.