New road signs on the way

18th December 2019

New signs will be put up along the A38 to entice more people to visit Plymouth for the Mayflower 400 year and beyond.

A total of 16 new signs will be installed early next year and will feature The Box which is due to open next year, as well as some of the more familiar locations.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “These signs need updating – not just for Mayflower, but to reflect all the great changes that are going on in our city. The Box is nearly finished and Mayflower 400 is now underway.

“This is not flashy stuff but it is important and it takes time to negotiate and deliver. We’d like to thank Highways England for helping us point people in the right direction – literally.”

Highways England manages the A38 as part of its motorway and trunk road network, and the Council has been working with them to develop and agree new signs, including a larger Welcome to Plymouth sign on the westbound approach to the city.

Some of the existing designs are in a poor condition or outdated and do not effectively promote all the attractions, including The Box, Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium and Mayflower Steps.

Highways England formally approved the tourism destinations for the A38 signage update – for the Mayflower Steps, The Hoe Seafront, Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium, The Box and Saltram – as well as key facilities such as Derriford Hospital, the Park and Rides at Coypool and Milehouse, the ferry port and, of course, Plymouth Argyle.

The company has also assisted in surveys and vegetation clearance ahead of installation work, which, subject to weather, will start in February. Most of this work will take place at night under lane closures to reduce inconvenience to drivers.

A delegated decision is being signed this week giving the go-ahead for a Council contribution of £1.567m to be funded through corporate borrowing. The package also entails updating local signs.

Around 100 signs on the city’s road network will be replaced following a thorough review of major routes in and out of the city. Signs will be updated and more brown tourism signs installed along key strategic routes, from the A38, the Torpoint Ferry and the A379 at Elburton. Around 500 signs will also be cleaned in the spring.

The package also includes work to improve street furniture such as seats and sign posts in and around Looe Street to help it look its best for visitors and locals enjoying the planned Mayflower trail.