Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street, remains closed to vehicular traffic in Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) despite the city’s earlier assurances that it would reopen following the completion of phase one of repair works. The iconic and once-bustling street, which was severely damaged by a devastating underground gas explosion in July 2023, has not yet returned to its former state of activity, frustrating both residents and business owners.
The gas explosion, which tragically claimed the life of one person and injured several others, left a gaping void beneath Lilian Ngoyi Street, leading to road collapses, infrastructure destruction, and a significant disruption to the city’s traffic flow.
On Monday, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, speaking directly from Lilian Ngoyi Street, announced the official completion of phase one of the repair project. According to the mayor, the city had fulfilled its promise to reconstruct the severely damaged sections of the road—but to the surprise of many, the street remains cordoned off, with safety netting and barriers still in place around the explosion site.
Motorists and pedestrians who had hoped for a return to normalcy were met with ongoing construction signs, dust-covered bricks, and piles of sand. Although the underlying structural repairs have reportedly been concluded, cleanup and final surface work are still underway, leaving the area looking far from ready.
Lilian Ngoyi Street Gets a New Look with Paving Bricks
One of the major visual changes to Lilian Ngoyi Street is the replacement of traditional tar surfacing with paving bricks. This shift, according to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi, is part of the city’s transportation masterplan and its vision for a more “smart and pedestrian-friendly” urban core.
“The city is moving towards a smart direction,” Nyathi explained. “Some will argue—why use pavement bricks instead of tar? But the answer is simple: we are beautifying the city all the way to the Transit Mall. Phase two will introduce more visible changes, including lane reduction to improve pedestrian access and aesthetics.”
This change signals a broader vision for urban regeneration in Johannesburg’s CBD, with an emphasis on mixed-use mobility, greener spaces, and better pedestrian infrastructure.
Officials had previously promised that Lilian Ngoyi Street would be fully reopened following the completion of phase one, creating expectations among local businesses and commuters who depend on the route for daily operations.
“It’s really frustrating,” said Nomvula Khumalo, who operates a small retail store nearby. “We were told the road would reopen, and we made preparations to stock up again. But it’s still blocked, and customers are struggling to get here.”
Taxi drivers, delivery vehicles, and other service providers have also expressed disappointment. Many rely on Lilian Ngoyi Street as a key arterial route within the CBD, and its prolonged closure has led to increased traffic congestion on surrounding roads.
City officials have defended the ongoing closure, citing safety concerns and the need for a thorough final inspection before reopening the street to traffic. The explosion caused extensive damage to underground infrastructure, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electric conduits. Until all systems are verified as safe, the city is reluctant to fully restore access.
“We understand the frustration, but we cannot rush the process,” said a city official from the Department of Public Works. “Public safety comes first. Any premature reopening could risk lives if subsurface issues reemerge.”
Phase two of the Lilian Ngoyi Street reconstruction is set to begin in the coming weeks. According to Mayor Morero, this phase will involve lane reduction, more aesthetic improvements, and possibly the introduction of dedicated public transport lanes or pedestrian zones as part of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plan.
This vision aligns with Johannesburg’s long-term goal of creating a cleaner, more connected urban environment, encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport use within the CBD.
The reconstruction effort is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the inner city, attract investment, and improve safety and accessibility for all road users. However, the city’s ability to deliver on these promises in a timely and transparent manner will be key to restoring public confidence.
For now, Lilian Ngoyi Street remains a construction zone—part repaired, part restricted. It stands as a symbol of both progress and delay, reminding residents of the tragic explosion that shook Johannesburg in 2023, and the long road to recovery that still lies ahead.
As the city moves into phase two, residents, businesses, and commuters will be watching closely—hoping not just for a rebuilt street, but for a better-functioning, safer, and more beautiful urban space that Lilian Ngoyi Street once represented.
Source- EWN