THE three-phase project to upgrade the road carrying an estimated 13,000 vehicles daily – nearly half of which are heavy trucks – has advanced from phase one into phase two. Construction activities have proceeded efficiently, with minimal disruption to port logistics operations, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said last week.
According to the state-owned ports authority, the strategic infrastructure initiative at the Port of Durban continues to progress on schedule and is envisioned to be completed in December 2025.
With the project, TNPA aims to enhance port access and improve road safety. The first phase started in June 2025 and the current phase two focuses on the outbound carriageway from the Shell Garage to the Rotterdam Intersection, as well as the inbound carriageway from Wagtail to the Langeberg Intersection.
Current works include the removal of old asphalt, laying of new Bitumen-Stabilised Material (BSM) base and asphalt layers as well as the cleaning and repair of kerbs, channels and stormwater manholes. These upgrades are designed to strengthen the road’s structural integrity while significantly improving its resilience and drainage capacity.
TNPA said, in line with its commitment to safety and operational excellence, additional interventions are being implemented to enhance road safety and traffic management. These include the installation of new road signage, improved lane markings, reflective road studs and speed-calming measures to regulate vehicle movement in the busy Bayhead logistics corridor.
It said stakeholder engagement remains a central pillar of the project’s success. Weekly engagements with port users and affected businesses have ensured transparency as a cornerstone of the ongoing collaboration, with stakeholders expressing strong support for the work underway. Stakeholder inputs have refined implementation and minimised operational impact., TNPA said.
TNPA acting port manager for the Durban port, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi said: ”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 modernization of this nature is critical to supporting economic growth by safeguarding cargo flows and reinforcing South Africa’s position in the global supply chain.”
The third and final phase of the project will target the inbound and outbound carriageways stretching from the South Coast/Bayhead Road Intersection to the Shell Garage.
Also read: https://www.kznindustrialnews.co.za/2025/06/04/busy-bayhead-road-upgrade-commences/
TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) said yesterday that it has commenced with a major six-month road rehabilitation project at the Port of Durban’s Bayhead Road. TNPA says that the project aims to improve road infrastructure within the port precinct, enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and increase operational efficiency.
Bayhead Road is a critical artery within the Port of Durban, providing access to port terminals, warehouses and industrial facilities. With an estimated 13,000 vehicles travelling the route daily – nearly half of which are heavy trucks – the road has experienced considerable wear over time, resulting in congestion, delays and safety concerns. The rehabilitation project is a direct response to these challenges and aims to restore the road’s structural integrity while supporting the seamless movement of cargo, according to TNPA.
The works include milling of the existing asphalt, laying new asphalt in both carriageways, repairing stormwater structures, installing road signs and providing road marking.
“Bayhead Road is one of South Africa’s busiest roads, transporting cargo to and from the major container terminals and the Island View port precinct. The ports authority acknowledges the disruption construction will cause, and a traffic management plan has been prepared to minimise traffic congestion to ensure smooth operations during construction,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, acting port manager for the Port of Durban.
During the construction period, traffic will be managed through phased lane closures and the use of alternative routes. A detailed traffic management plan will be implemented to maintain safe and continuous vehicle flow, supported by clear signage and the presence of traffic officials to guide motorists through the affected areas. TNPA said it is also continuously engaging with key stakeholders, including port users, industry associations and law enforcement agencies to ensure coordinated efforts that minimise disruptions.
