MOTORISTS enjoying smoother and safer journeys along the upgraded Pacific Highway will be encouraged to visit some of the bypassed towns - such as Kempsey, Nambucca Heads and Urunga - with new signs showing the services and tourist attractions on offer.
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Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the latest signs would be installed near Ballina, Urunga and Woolgoolga, under the NSW Government's commitment to boost regional economies.
The signs have already been installed at Urunga and Woolgoolga.
"The Pacific Highway upgrade is the largest regional road infrastructure project in Australia and is transforming journeys along the North Coast," Mr Toole said.
"The upgrade will reduce travel times by 2.5 hours between Hexham and the Queensland border but we still want tourist dollars being spent in regional towns where possible. That's why we're delivering on our election commitment to install these signs which will outline what services or tourist attractions are on offer.
"These signs are the largest directional signs in NSW, and will be installed on the highway at both the northbound and southbound approaches to the town."
Related: Nambucca Heads still waiting
Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said Transport for NSW had worked with the local council to develop the preferred images for the signs, which have just been installed at Woolgoolga.
"These signs have been popular in other locations (such as at Macksville), driving more visitors to regional towns and tempting them to explore what they have to offer," Mr Singh said.
"Woolgoolga is first in line to receive the signs - to showcase the village and its close proximity to the beach."
The signs at Urunga were installed yesterday - with the southern one near the Ballards Rd turnoff and the other sign just north of the Bellingen/Urunga off-ramp.
Each sign will have symbols to indicate what services are available, including hospitals, 24-hour fuel, food and accommodation, and are visually reflective so motorists can easily see them at night.
Background:
In February 2019, a roll out of Bypassed Town signs across the State was announced.
The first stage of the initiative will be rolled out along the Princes and Pacific highways, including:
- Pacific Highway - Ballina, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Bangalow, Woodburn/Broadwater/Wardell, Maclean, Grafton, Woolgoolga, Urunga, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey/Frederickton, Port Macquarie, Taree, Bulahdelah, Karuah
- Princes Highway - Gerringong, Kiama, Shellharbour, Bega, Albion Park.
Towns like Scone, Albion Park Rail, Grafton, Woodburn and Broadwater that are soon to be bypassed will also be eligible.
The Bypassed Town signs will form part of the NSW wayfinding signage and can be included as part of the directional signage strategy for future bypass projects.
