Transnet makes inroads with road rehabilitation project

TRANSNET Port Terminals has announced it is almost half-way done with the rehabilitation of the roads, with minimal impact to operations and truck turnaround times.

Transnet prides itself on operating terminals that are considered world-class terminals as far as infrastructure and service are concerned. In KZN, the Durban Container Terminal’s (DCT) road at Pier 2 is the main arterial supply for the North, South and East quays and other departments in DCT which handle approximately 3 000 laden trucks and other vehicles in the terminal daily.

The road has been in existence for more than 35 years and several repairs have been completed due to the constant ‘heavy’ traffic. Over the years bad weather has also exacerbated the decline of the condition of the road to the extent that it can no longer be maintained normally.

“The poor condition of the road is not only a poor reflection on TPT’s position as a leader in our industry but it has also impacted on the general wear and tear of equipment thereby also increasing maintenance expenses at DCT. In November 2015 we began to address this issue by rolling out phase one of our two part project to provide the terminal users with a suitably superior and safely constructed road. I am delighted to report that despite recent underground service risks which we had identified as being problematic that we are at 47 per cent completion of the overall Road Rehabilitation Project with minimal impact to operations and truck turnaround times,” stated Transnet Port Terminals’ general manager of KZN Operations Containers, Brenda Magqwaka.

Phase one of the project entailed the reconstruction of the current in-bound lanes with traffic being diverted onto the current out-bound lanes. Out-bound traffic has in the interim been diverted onto the temporary out-bound lanes created during the preparatory phase.

Magqwaka said challenges faced during this stage included identifying and securing the underground services, which was acknowledged as a potential risk ahead of the project commencing. However, the issues were resolved efficiently with additional sleeves being added for extra services in the event the need arises in the future. The completion date for phase one is set for quarter three of this year with the overall project completion date predicted for quarter two in 2017.

“We understand the importance of investing in our infrastructure to create greater value for our customers by ultimately delivering better service and turnaround times. Our Key Accounts Managers are in constant communication with our clients and stakeholders to update them on the progress being made. We are grateful for their patience and support with the completion of this much-needed road rehabilitation project,” concluded Magqwaka.