Truck backlogs expected in Richards Bay

Trucks backlogs are anticipated on the City of uMhlathuze roads amid a rail line maintenance shutdown.

This was announced by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in Richards Bay on Sunday.

The maintenance that began on Monday, 22 July will run until Thursday, 1 August.

“Due to rail not being available, affected industries will continue to bring cargo to the port via Road Motor Transport (RMT) to service planned vessels.

“Thus, stakeholders are notified of an expected influx of trucks as from 22 July to 10 August due to rail unavailability,” said TPT Managing Executive Thulasizwe Dlamini in a communique to customers.

He said the Richards Bay terminal will work to manage traffic flows minimise impact on public roads and port operations.

The expected influx comes after months of clear roads owing to a drastic reduction of queuing trucks along the John Ross Highway and the N2, negatively impacting traffic flow in and out of the city. This follows an improvement in port and railway operations.

The return of a coal export conveyor belt system at TPT which was destroyed by fire in 2021 has also reportedly contributed to taking at least 400 trucks off the road.

The belt had been out of service for two years due to fire damage and came back into full operation at the end of December.

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