Department spearheads freight and logistical development

The Department of Roads and Transport is in the process of incorporating freight transportation planning into the mainstream of its functions. This was announced by MEC Ismail Vadi during the tabling of the budget speech of the department on 5 June 2012.

MEC noted that freight transport directly influences economic growth and development and has the potential to unlock economic development and create job opportunities.

The development of the KZN-Gauteng Freight Corridor freight and logistics hubs have been identified by the President and national budgetary allocations, especially those of Transnet reflected that. This has become a focal project for planning and investment and has been registered as a key developmental project by the National Department of Transport.

He also mentioned that the province is working on the development of the Tambo-Springs Inland Port in partnership with Transnet, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the private sector over the next eight years. A draft master plan has been prepared for this development. MEC stated that preliminary designs of the K148/N3 interchange are being revised and will be ready for implementation at the end of the financial year with construction likely to commence in 2013. The cost is estimated to be in the region of R250 million.

The Tambo-Springs site is well-positioned as it is located in the southern parts of Johannesburg and within the Johannesburg/Durban road freight and rail corridor. The site has access to important road networks including the N3 freeway to Durban; the N1 to Cape Town; and via the R390 to Port Elizabeth and East London as well as to the industrial centres in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

MEC highlighted that the site is bisected by a dormant freight railway line capable of linking the main railway lines from Johannesburg to Durban and from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The Tambo-Springs site is 22km from the City Deep Terminal and 25km from the OR Tambo Air Freight Terminal. This freight hub project aims to increase efficiency and decrease the cost of containerised cargo moving in and out of Gauteng.

MEC Vadi also mentioned that the provincial government will be hosting a Freight Conference later this year.