Refuting Traffic Citation

I received my first ever traffic citation for turning left on a Right turn only lane. I was honest to the officer and told them that I did not see the sign and was still given a $265 ticket because it was "intentional" that I turned left. I'm tempted to write a plea of no content because the road I was driving towards was closed and had a detour Left sign which confused me. Has anyone had any luck with a similar situation? The citation essentially has 4 options: pay the fine and have the ticket on your record (which im trying to avoid), Write a letter to contest the citation; however, this also waives my right to a trial, Enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial.