Durban’s Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Pushes Ahead with Next Phase of Upgrades

The Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Project, one of the most important infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Durban, is finally moving full steam ahead as Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) shifts from Phase 1 into Phase 2 of construction.

The project is set to improve port access, enhance safety, and smoothen the flow of cargo along one of South Africa’s busiest logistics corridors.

For years, truckers and port users have complained about the crumbling state of Bayhead Road, with potholes and congestion making it a nightmare to access the port. Many operators complained it was costing them time and money on deliveries. Against that backdrop, the current progress is being welcomed as long overdue.

Phase 2 now focuses on the outbound carriageway from the Shell Garage to the Rotterdam Intersection, as well as the inbound side from Wagtail to Langeberg Intersection. Work currently underway includes stripping out old asphalt, laying Bitumen-Stabilised Material (BSM) bases and asphalt layers, and fixing kerbs, channels, and stormwater manholes.

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These upgrades will make the road stronger, longer-lasting, and better equipped to handle drainage during Durban’s heavy rains.

Read | Bayhead Road Bypass Reopens After Major Truck Accident Recovery Operation

Boosting safety and traffic flow

Apart from the physical rebuild, TNPA is also rolling out new safety measures. These include fresh road signage, reflective studs, sharper lane markings, and speed-calming measures aimed at keeping the high-traffic Bayhead precinct safer for both trucks and smaller vehicles.

TNPA says it has been working hand-in-hand with port users and surrounding businesses through weekly engagement sessions to keep everyone in the loop and minimise disruptions. Feedback so far has been positive, with the industry recognising the importance of the upgrades.

“The Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Project is a catalyst for improved port efficiency and logistics reliability at the Port of Durban. As one of the country’s most important trade gateways, infrastructure modernisation of this nature is critical to supporting economic growth by safeguarding cargo flows and reinforcing South Africa’s position in the global supply chain,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, TNPA acting port manager for Durban.

While the work is welcome, truckers will be hoping that the upgrades are not just a quick patch-up but a lasting fix to years of frustration.