John Ross truck stop completion delayed

Eyamkhosi truck stop along the John Ross highway, expected to open in December

18 seconds ago

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Trucks queuing along the N2 near Empangeni

Recent wet weather conditions have caused major delays in the completion of the under-construction Eyamakhosi truck stop along the John Ross highway.

The facility, which had been expected to begin operations in September, is now expected to open only by the end of December.’

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“The delays in completing the project are as a result of adverse weather conditions and site preparation.

“We can, however, say that work is under way to ensure we meet the December schedule,” said uMhlathuze communications manager Simphiwe Makhanya.

The truck stop, which began construction in 2024, is expected to stage more than 500 trucks, further easing heavy truck congestion on the N2 and on public roads across the City of uMhlathuze.

Once complete, it should include ablution facilities and other amenities.

The development follows years of truck backlogs along the John Ross highway and the N2, causing chaos on the busy routes and posing a danger to city motorists.

In recent weeks, trucks have again been queueing for kilometres on the N2 amid a reported spike in the global demand for coal.

The influx prompted Transnet Port Terminals to suspend the dispatching of trucks for 24 hours last week.

The temporary suspension was to allow the terminal to clear the current backlog and restore safe and efficient flow of traffic.

Truck stop framework

The anticipated operation of Eyamakhosi comes amid the recent launch of the National Truck Stop Framework that recognises truck stops as an important component of South Africa’s freight logistics infrastructure.

The framework seeks to ensure truck stops are safe, secure and professionally managed facilities where drivers can park, rest and access essential services.

“During road safety campaigns that the Department of Transport and the Road Traffic Management Corporation have been conducting around the country, fatigue-related driver error has emerged as one of the major causes of vehicle crashes,” said Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.

“Therefore, providing appropriate rest infrastructure must form part of our broader approach to road safety.

“Truck stops can also become important platforms for delivering wellness interventions, including health screening, fatigue awareness, road safety education and other support services targeted at professional drivers,” she said.

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