Motorists travelling south on State Highway 25 will soon be given clear direction how they can stop for a break in Whangamata town centre without having to double back on their journey.
Motorists travelling south on State Highway 25 will soon be given clear direction how they can stop for a break in Whangamata town centre without having to double back on their journey.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be upgrading the destination signage just north of Whangamata to show motorists they can easily rejoin the highway and continue their journey south from the township, should they wish to stop for a visit.
At present the destination signage leading into Whangamata from the north directs southbound motorists onto the SH25 bypass, which was designed to keep heavy traffic away from the town.
NZTA State Highway Manager Kaye Clark says the new Whangamata sign will inform tourists and holiday makers that that they can take an alternative route south through the town, which will take them back onto the highway.
Mrs Clark says, "The signage upgrade is part of a broader project aimed that ensuring that destination signage is consistent and in good condition. Several destination signs on the Coromandel Peninsula have deteriorated over time due to storm damage and we are in the process of reviewing how many need to be replaced. As part of this work, and following an approach from the Thames-Coromandel District Council, we have identified an opportunity to better direct the travelling public by upgrading the signage into Whangamata."
The new Whangamata sign is currently being designed by the NZTA in collaboration with the Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC).
TCDC Mayor, Philippa Barriball welcomed the news saying that the change would address an issue that had been a point of concern in Whangamata for many years. She acknowledged the work of a number of organisations who have helped to raise the profile of this issue over a number of years. Following the latest approach from Council It was good to see that NZTA were prepared to take a fresh look at the issue and find a common sense and practical solution.
The new sign will be installed by the end of June.
