Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced the early completion of the long-awaited rehabilitation of Bayhead Road, a critical logistics artery feeding into the Port of Durban.
The upgrade, originally scheduled for six months, was wrapped up a full month ahead of deadline, just in time for the festive season freight rush.
The project kicked off in June and forms part of efforts to improve cargo mobility and reduce bottlenecks that have long plagued port access routes. According to TNPA, the newly refurbished Bayhead Road will ease pressure on transporters accessing port terminals, warehouses and industrial hubs, paving the way for smoother operations during peak volumes.
Bayhead Road is one of the busiest logistics corridors in the country, connecting the Port of Durban directly to the national road network and handling an estimated 13 000 vehicles daily, most of them heavy trucks. The R76-million upgrade has strengthened the road surface with improved resistance to cracking and deformation, increasing its lifespan and reducing the long-term cost of maintenance.
Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, Port Manager at the Port of Durban, said the early completion marks a significant milestone for port efficiency and national trade stability.
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“We are looking forward to seeing South Africa’s logistics sector enjoying the benefits of this road infrastructure development. The successful execution of this project reinforces our commitment to deliver on the Reinvent for Growth strategy by creating value for our port users through seamless cargo flow. Key to this success is collaboration with our stakeholders,” she said.
Beyond logistics benefits, the upgrade reportedly created around 204 jobs and supported five small and medium-sized enterprises during construction, contributing positively to the KwaZulu-Natal economy.
With year-end peak volumes now underway, transporters are hoping this relief will help reduce the infamous port congestion that often brings trucking operations to a crawl.
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