CLAYTON — As downtown Clayton continues to grow, the installation of nine new wayfinding signs now make it even harder to miss destinations on the map.

Town officials say the effort has been well-received.

“One of the challenges identified during our Downtown Vision Forum this past spring, and previously, was signage getting people to downtown from U.S. 70,” according to Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen. “We started working on this project a year ago, and have received great reviews from the public and elected officials.

The signs have been installed on U.S. 70 as well as on NC 42, Main, Robertson and O’Neil streets. The signs point drivers and pedestrians to the general direction of downtown, as well as the direction of specific sites, including The Clayton Center, Chamber of Commerce, Hocutt-Ellington Library, Town Square, Horne Square and First Street.

“N.C. DOT approved most of the locations we proposed, but there are still a few gaps that need to eventually be filled,” said Naegelen. The plan also includes new public parking signs, which will be ordered and installed in the first half of 2013.

Among the gaps Naegelen identifed are locations on Shotwell Road and on Robertson Street.

The sign installation is part of the town’s downtown revitalization effort, which started with the “Think Clayton” concept in 2008.

The total budget for the signage and installation was $30,000. The Town of Clayton paid for the signs over two budget cycles. Naegelen said installation was a significant part of the cost because DOT requires sign posts to be designed and constructed to break away or yield just in case someone happens to run off the road.

James: 919-553-7234