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The severe traffic congestion in the Bayhead Precinct of the Port of Durban on Tuesday and Wednesday was brought under control by late Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) reported that the backlog was cleared and port and terminal operations were proceeding smoothly.

TNPA, SAPS, Durban Metro Police and terminal operators worked tirelessly to ensure that operations at the various depots and terminals in the precincts returned to normal as soon as possible.

Integrated measures to clear the traffic backlog, inclusive of the arterial roads feeding the Bayhead and Island View Precinct, assisted in easing the gridlock.

The congestion began on Tuesday, 26 November when one of the privately owned container depots began experiencing congestion in their stacking yard, leading to a build-up of traffic on Bayhead Road.  The situation was exacerbated when frustrated truck drivers began attempting to drive contra flow. Transnet endeavoured to make alternative transport arrangements for employees working across the terminals and depots in the Bayhead and Island View Precincts, who were unable to access their work stations on time for duty. This affected landside and waterside operations at Durban Container Terminal Pier 1 and Pier 2 which were working with minimal resources.

TNPA had activated its Business Continuity Plan system and engaged affected stakeholders including shipping clients and terminal operators.

Issued by Transnet National Ports Authority