Relief is finally in sight – a solution to the coal truck route saga, which has been a bone of contention for years for both residents and businesses in the area.
At a meeting last week a plan was tabled by Forbes Coal that will move the coal trucks out of Willson, Browning and Argyle Streets to a new, private road. Peter Ruddle of GBS Environmental Consulting said at a meeting of interested and affected parties that Transnet had at last indicated that they have no objections to a level crossing, which will take the trucks over the railway line to a road beyond Watt Road. “Obviously there are certain criteria to be met, but there are no objections. This is a big step forward in solving this issue, which been a nuisance to residents and businesses for a long time,” he said.
An environmental impact study has been completed, and Frank Talbot of Forbes Coal said they hope to implement phase one as soon as possible, namely withdrawing the trucks from Willson and Commercial Streets. These roads have deteriorated rapidly since the trucks started using the route, after widespread protests from Watt Road and Forestdale residents. It was explained that new route will take the trucks from the P272 (Nyanyadu road) to a yet-to-be-built road behind the municipal workshops and Police Canteen.
Concern was expressed by Melville Street residents that this might compromise their safety, as the returning trucks may speed on the dirt road. This will also increase dust levels.
Assurances were given that dust control would be strictly implemented. Speed bumps will also be installed, and Forbes General Manager Kevern Mattison said it is policy not to run trucks during thick early morning mist (prevalent in winter).
It was also suggested that the first 100 metres of the new road be tarred to cut down on the dust problem.
Final say over how the new road will glide off the P272 have to be approved by the Transport Department. None of their representatives were at the meeting, and they have not replied to letters regarding the matter. However, in a letter received on Friday the Department indicated they had no objections but to the proposed provided ‘certain engineering procedures’ are followed. It was also pointed out that Forbes Coal would have to fund the entire project.
The new route will join up with the main Dundee/Vryheid road after crossing the Steenkoolspruit, which Mr Ruddle said ‘is in any case under severe strain and highly polluted’.
From there the trucks will follow the route towards the museum, over the level crossing and onto a road beyond the railway line towards the coal washing plant. Land belonging to a private owner and to the Farmers’ Union will also be crossed, but there have been no serious objections to this.
The new road will be a private route, fenced off and secured. “Our drivers have strict instructions to follow the speed limit. Any driver deviating from these instructions will be disciplined,” Mr Talbot assured the meeting.
While he was hesitant to commit to a time frame, Mr Talbot said phase one is a priority – taking the trucks off Willson Street. Again, the Transport Department will have to give the final say.