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 supports smoother movements through the main approach to the airport precinct.

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. Due to our long-standing involvement with AIAL, like the DHC gantry signage installed last year, we were able to provide the specialist knowledge needed for a successful project.

“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.

Our design team refined the layout using AutoCAD Guide Sign software to meet TCD and MOTSAM requirements, ensuring correct fonts, text heights, spacing, and arrow positions that match lane geometry on the road below.  Once the client approved the design, 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

Working alongside the project partners, the Directionz team removed the previous sign and installed the upgraded sign within a tight two-night delivery window. All works were completed at night to minimise disruption for people heading to the airport. The existing sign was removed on the first night, with temporary VMS boards deployed the following day to maintain lane guidance.

The new sign was successfully installed on the second night, with more than eight large panels being installed. Each panel - ranging from 5 to 6 metres long and 0.7 to 0.9 metres high - was lifted up, positioned and stacked one by one and attached to the purlins on the existing gantry structure. The road was fully reopened to traffic ahead of the morning rush.

“The two-night window was tight, but the installation went as planned. The new sign panels were installed onto the existing gantry without any issues, and the new sign was ready for the public once the road was opened. A good result all round.” - Leboy Hegotule Directionz - Team Leader

• 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