The Port of Durban's road infrastructure is facing mounting pressure due to a surge in truck traffic, prompting Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to allocate US$12.5 million (R233 million) for road rehabilitation in key container handling port areas – the Container and Maydon Wharf, as well as the liquid bulk Island View precinct.
As a vital contributor to the South African economy, the Port of Durban handles approximately 60% of the nation's total container volumes. The majority of these containers are transported via the Southern Road Network within the port. However, the influx of trucks over the years has significantly increased, causing the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.
"Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy," stated Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, TNPA Port manager for the Port of Durban.
The enhanced condition of port roads is expected to have a positive impact on operational efficiencies and facilitate smoother traffic flow in targeted precincts. Priority will be given to Maydon Wharf, with repairs planned for 16 roads, followed by three roads in Island View and two in Bayhead. Alongside addressing structural defects, the project scope includes rectifying functional issues such as surface drainage problems caused by damaged manholes and inlets resulting from heavy vehicle traffic.
A traffic management plan has been developed to guide the redirection of traffic flow throughout the two-year implementation period of the project.
