LOCAL firm RMS Engineering and Construction has been awarded the contract for Townsville Port’s $4.5m truck staging upgrade, a project aimed at reducing congestion and increasing safety.

The project, which will cater for up to 20 triple road trains when completed, is due to start this week and is expected to be completed in early 2021.

RMS most recently completed civil construction work on the Berth 4 Cargo Terminal, which involved excavation and removal of a range of materials from site, erosion and sediment control, drainage works, earthworks and pavements.

RMS managing director, Richard McDonald said the truck staging project would support the company’s growth in northern Australia.

“This project will see around 16 people full-time employed and many part-time trades,” he said.

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The multi-lane truck staging area project involves construction of approximately 13,000 square metres of asphalt pavement for staging of road trains and other trucks prior to entry to the port.

Included in the scope is an upgrade to existing stormwater culverts and pits, electrical work and landscaping and revegetation works.

Townsville Port general manager of infrastructure and environment, Marissa Wise said the facility would reduce congestion and improve safety within the port and along port access roads, while improving the efficiency of cargo handling and freight operations.

“The facility will also include amenities and an outdoor rest area for truck drivers. Only port authorised trucks will be allowed to access the facility, which will have surveillance cameras monitored by port security,” she said.