RTL and Directionz supplied and installed new gantry signage on Tom Pearce Drive at Auckland International Airport, one of New Zealand’s busiest airports. The project successfully delivered a three-lane, 11-metre-wide by 3.3-metre-high sign mounted on the existing five-lane gantry with minimal disruption to airport traffic. The completed upgrade helps visitors choose the right lane early and move through the airport easily.

Client & Partners: RTL | Signcraftsmen | Fulton Hogan | Auckland International Airport | Directionz

The successful project involved redesign, manufacture, and installation of the large multi-panel sign onto the existing five-lane gantry. The new sign measured over 11 metres wide and 3.3 metres high and was installed over the three central lanes designated for Drop Off, Pick Up, and Premium Parking.

RTL worked closely with the client, installation teams and other stakeholders, reviewing the gantry structure, purlin layout, wind loading details, and bracket requirements to ensure the sign was manufactured specifically to the site. 

“Dealing with the team at RTL has been a pleasure. Sam and Talei made life easy for us,” said Jason Paver, Managing Director at Signcraftsmen.

Working to a tight schedule, RTL manufactured the sign in multiple panels, each set out to match the required join locations and lane guidance. This approach ensured the sections came together cleanly on site, with the arrows and lane information lining up perfectly.

“Large gantry signs need a different level of preparation, and that’s where experience makes a real difference. Technical details were built into the AutoCAD design - gantry layout, purlin positions, panel joins, channel points, and CNC set-outs, ensuring the installation fitted together smoothly on site.” - David Southgate - Lead Designer

The Directionz team completed the work over two nights to minimise disruption. The existing sign was carefully removed on the first night, with temporary VMS boards deployed the following day to maintain lane guidance. The new sign was installed on the second night, and the gantry was fully reopened to traffic ahead of the morning rush. 

• https://rtl.co.nz/post/rtl-proud-to-be-involved-with-auckland-international-airport-transport-hub
• https://rtl.co.nz/post/project-case-study-all-signs-piont-to-manawa-bay
• https://rtl.co.nz/post/rtl-manufacture-19-metre-mountain-road-sign
• https://rtl.co.nz/post/waterview-connection-project-well-connected-alliance