Port area opens for 300,000 trucks
A NEW $4.5m truck staging area has opened at the Port of Townsville, making room for up to 20 triple road trains to assemble outside the main gates.
The new staging area is expected to make it safer for the 300,000 trucks that pass through the port gates each year. The purpose-built 13,000sq m combined trucktrailer lay-up area provides comforts for truck drivers, including toilet amenities and shaded outdoor rest areas.
The project was first announced in August 2019, and faced delays.
Queensland Trucking Association chief executive Gary Mahon said the safe and efficient operations of the port was vital to ensure that export markets could continue to grow.
“This development will increase productivity and provide comforts to truck drivers who have been essential in keeping Queensland moving and industries operating through the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Mahon said.
Port of Townsville acting chief infrastructure officer Anton van Staden said the new truck staging would reduce on port roads, to improve efficiencies with increasing trade and cargo at the port.
“During vessel loading trucks have queued along port roads for extended periods, disrupting traffic and posing potential safety risks,” he said.
Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the port was an economic driver for the region, which was why the staging area was so important.
RMS Engineering and Construction completed the job, which generated 16 fulltime jobs. Only port-authorised trucks will be able to access the facility.