THE mystery of the missing Wauchope sign on the Pacific Highway is no closer to being solved despite questions to both the RMS and council during the week.

The sign in question at the Bago Road/Heron's Creek off ramp previously indicated directions to Wauchope but has since had the 'Wauchope' removed.

The abrupt change in signage has led locals to speculate as to the reason why.

Some of the suggestions are that as the council is responsible for the maintenance of Bago Road; diverting traffic to Wauchope via the Oxley Highway will save council the cost of having to repair it.

"The RMS doesn't want the general public to know that highway users can use Bago Road to go to Wauchope because the Oxley Highway is a better road - debatable but can be conceded", said King Creek resident, Kim McGrath.

"Does the Government wish us to burn more fossil fuels in the extra 14kms that would be added onto a trip from Sydney to King Creek or Wauchope?

"If the catch cry is "The Oxley's a better and safer road to use" then should they not fix the Bago Road so that it not 'dangerous'?" commented Mr McGrath,

This suggestion has all but been confirmed by an RMS spokesperson during the week.

"Roads and Maritime Services provide guidance signs to a destination or focal point using the safest and most efficient route," said the RMS spokesperson.

"In some cases this may not be the shortest route.

"While Roads and Maritime and council's preferred route to Wauchope is via the Oxley Highway, we are looking at opportunities to provide supplementary signs near the Bago Road interchange," said the RMS spokesperson.

Bago Road was clearly marked as a route to Wauchope prior to the Pacific Highway upgrade last year.

When the new Bago Road interchange was opened 'Wauchope' was no longer shown on the new signs for north-bound traffic until motorists have passed Bago Road and are directed to use the Oxley Highway.

Some residents also question the impact the Oxley Highway diversion is having on the local economy.

"This is the main route to our industrial area and if they had a good road for trucks the industrial centre will not be a white elephant anymore," stated Lyn Richardson.

The RMS provided a contradictory statement about the condition of the Bago Road stating that while it is not the safest road it is acceptable for locals.

"Bago Road is a local road under council's care and control and is suitable for local traffic."

Port Macquarie Hastings Council has neither confirmed nor denied the statement from the RMS that the council prefers the Oxley Highway as an entry point to Wauchope over Bago Road.

The council was also unavailable for comment on the suggestion that if more traffic were to use Bago Road, the road would need to be upgraded.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council Mayor, Peter Besseling urged all concerned residents to direct their questions to the RMS.

"Can I suggest that everyone (commenting) contact the NSW Roads and Maritime Service and provide feedback about the missing "Wauchope"?

"Council have also provided this feedback, however it is an issue and responsibility of the RMS," stated Mr Besseling.

The RMS confirms that while they are looking to provide the supplementary signs to Wauchope, they could not provide an answer as to why the sign was removed in the first place or when it will be returned.