Transport 2O1O

Thursday, 13 May 2010 08:58

Progress report and guidelines for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup

As a result of the possible transport restrictions during the World Cup at the various host cities, a concern was raised by the Sasol Business Units and the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA). Johan van Wyk (Sasol Limited) and Richard Durrant (Transheq Consulting on behalf of CAIA and Business Unity SA) attended the National Disaster Management Centre Workshop held at Mount Amanzi from 9 to 11 March 2010.

During this workshop, all the National and Provincial Departments (National and Provincial Disaster Management and Provincial EMS) provided feedback on their level of preparedness in terms of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.

Based on information shared, the main metro host cities seem well prepared, however, the smaller host cities and surrounding towns are lagging due to lack of available resources and training.

During match days, the areas (approximately 3km radius) surrounding the stadiums will be restricted for normal traffic. There will be a number of fan parks and public viewing areas (PVAs) in operation at various locations, some of which are still to be finalised. Traffic delays and limited road restrictions can be expected in the surrounding areas of fan parks / PVAs. This will be applicable approximately three hours before and three hours after the games.

No national roads will be closed or restricted as a result of any match activities. The closure of national and feeder routes cannot be excluded. This will be the results of road incidents or for security reasons, etc. Alternative routes will be made available in the event of such incidents by the provisional / local traffic management agencies.

Increased volume of traffic is expected on secondary roads due to tourists and teams travelling in coaches, buses and taxis. It must be noted that road conditions on these secondary routes are not in a good state in certain areas.

Normal import/export activities at the ports should not be affected by the World Cup, and it should be “business as usual”. Rail transportation will be rescheduled where applicable and in line with the match schedules by Transnet Freight Rail, clients and host cities.

Increased volume of traffic is expected in the vicinity of all airports, including regional airports.

Concerns

A number of activities and information are still outstanding from the Department of Transport. A task team under the leadership of the National Disaster Management Centre was established, including business, to address the outstanding issues. A progress report will follow.

Many matches will end at around 23:00. Late-night congestion on roads surrounding these venues, fan parks, PVAs and Park-and-Ride facilities will be a common occurrence. Unofficial public gatherings / PVAs will occur, which may result in more congestion in some areas. This will increase the risk of intoxicated drivers and pedestrians on the roads. It is recommended that late-night transportation be limited.

The high number of road incidents remains a concern and special precautions need to be implemented. An example is the monitoring of vehicles and drivers over this period, which needs to be increased to ensure no unforeseen incidents / occurrences due to unscheduled stops, insufficient rest periods and participation in the festivities.

High congestion is expected at the different border posts, which will affect the transit times of imports and exports by road. The queuing of vehicles transporting dangerous goods remains a serious concern at the border posts.

The uncontrolled number of activities such as cooking, open fires, etc. in the vicinity of these vehicles is the order of the day and creates a safety and security risk.

The lack of competent emergency services at these areas still exists. An increased safety and security risk exists with regard to hijackings of heavy motor vehicles (particularly dangerous goods). It is therefore important to report any hijacking (or attempted hi-jacking) immediately to the nearest SA Police Service station.

Recommendations

Trip planning, journey management, driver awareness and driver pre-trip briefings should be stepped up, ensuring all risks and concerns are addressed. Supply of product to clients / customers must be planned well in advance, particularly around match venues and dates. All deliveries in outlying areas should not be affected by any restrictions, except for possible delays due to traffic congestion.

Conflicting information exists, and it is important that all information received be verified with the appropriate departments or authorities.

Exclusive zones and roads

1. Principal public roads

1.1 From Lanseria Airport to Soccer City

* R512: N14 on-ramp
* N1 south – Rand Show Road – Golden Highway – stadium precinct

1.2 From Lanseria Airport to Coca-Cola Park (Ellispark)

* R512: N14 on-ramp
* From Abel and Joe Slovo roads to Coca-Cola Park

1.3. From Ortia to Coca-Cola Park

* Off-ramp from M2 west – Joe Slovo Drive
* Joe Slovo – Curry – Coca-Cola Park

1.4. From Ortia to Soccer City

* Off-ramp from M1 south – Nasrec Road
* Nasrec Road – Soccer City stadium

2. Controlled access sites

2.1. Innes-Free Park (Fifa fan park)

* Area bordered by Kathrine Street and Grayston Drive
* Area bordered by Grayston Drive and M1 north off-ramp and M1 north on-ramp
* Portion of M1 north passing along Innes-Free Park

2. 2. Elka Stadium (Fifa fan park)

* Area bordered by Vundla Street
* Area bordered by Gumede Street
* Area bordered by Lefatola Street

2.3. Mary Fitzgerald Square (Artists of Africa)

* Area bordered by Bree Street at Henry Nxumalo and Miriam Makeba Street
* Area bordered Jeppe Street at Henry Nxumalo and Miriam Makeba Street

2.4. Park Station (train station)

* Area bordered by Rissik Street at Wolmarans Street and
De Villiers
* Area bordered by Wandaras Street at Wollmarans and
De Villiers

2.5. Gautrain station / Fifa accommodation venues

* Area bordered by West Street
* Area bordered Rvonia Street
* Area bordered by Maude Street
* Area bordered by 5th Street

2.6. No.3 Square Alexandra (Football for Hope)

* Area bordered by London Road at 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue

2.7. International Broadcasting Centre

* Included in Exclusion zone at Soccer City

3. Exclusion zones

3.1 Coca-Cola Park

* Area bordered by Bertrams Road at Charlton Terrace and Voorhout Street
* Area bordered by Simmert Street at Charlton Terrace and Voorhout Street

3.2 Soccer City and International Broadcast Centre

* Area bordered by Nasrec Road
* Area bordered by portion of Soweto Highway
* Area bordered by portion of Golden High way
* Area bordered by Rand Show Road

Article supplied by Business Unity South Africa

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