Peak-time journeys through the port for all drivers are likely to become quicker and easier thanks to a major new £6.5m project managed by Dover Harbour Board's Development team.
Further details are now available regarding the scope of the work planned in the Eastern Docks, which it is hoped will also reduce the frequency and extent of traffic queues on the roads leading to the port - easing congestion for the local Dover community.
The Traffic Management Improvement Project (TMI) will improve the ability of the port to manage outbound tourist and freight traffic between the entrance to the Eastern Docks and check-in. During busy times the new assembly area will be used to temporarily hold some of the outbound traffic until space becomes available further inside the port. This new assembly area (or buffer zone) will be able to house 220 additional lorries (about 2.7 miles of traffic) and will help ensure that the check-in areas and internal roadways are kept moving. The new zone will also come in useful as a holding area if a ferry operator experiences problems whilst allowing traffic for other operators to flow freely into the port and check-in.
A project this size requires major re-organisation of the current dock buildings and will fall into three main phases. This will ensure that essential port operations are maintained and will minimise disruption and inconvenience to the travelling public and surrounding neighbours. Firstly the ground floor of the current passenger building will be converted to hold the UKBA search areas plus foot passenger facilities. This will be followed by the deconstruction of the Travel Centre, adjacent buildings and outbound vehicle ramp during 2013 and finally construction will take place of the new assembly area, outbound traffic routes and associated infrastructure such as road resurfacing in 2013/2014.
Mike Krayenbrink, Director of Port Development said: "This major project is just one part of our five-year plan to upgrade the Eastern Docks. It will enable us to manage increasing traffic volumes whilst diminishing the effect on the local road system. These works are essential in advance of the second ferry terminal in the Western Docks. We'll be working closely with the UKBA, other tenants and the ferry operators to ensure disruption is minimised. We're confident these improvements will help us to continue to provide first class facilities for all our customers in the coming years and help reduce congestion on the approach roads to the port."
