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Lilian Ngoyi Street Transformation: A R192 Million Rebuild Nears Its Next Phase

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2025

Chiraag

Lilian Ngoyi Street, Bree Street gas explosion, Johannesburg Roads Agency construction, Joburg CBD roadworks, inner-city infrastructure rebuild, Joburg ETC

From blast site to blueprint success

Two years ago, Lilian Ngoyi Street in the heart of Joburg’s CBD was the site of a terrifying underground gas explosion. The blast in July 2023 left one person dead, dozens injured, and one of the city’s busiest roads completely torn apart. Now, after months of rebuilding, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) says it is finally closing in on completing the first phase of its ambitious R192 million rehabilitation project.

Formerly known as Bree Street, Lilian Ngoyi has always been a vital artery in the city’s flow, linking people, businesses, and transit lines. But its near-destruction sent ripples through the CBD, both literally and socially. Since then, the focus has been not only on rebuilding but also on future-proofing the street with better safety systems and modern infrastructure.

What’s done so far: tunnels, tech, and progress

According to JRA chief executive Zweli Nyathi, 86% of the first phase is now complete, and the project is still on track to meet its end-of-August deadline. That first phase includes some of the most technically demanding work, like constructing reinforced underground tunnels, backfilling, and compacting the damaged sections.

Alongside the structural rebuild, engineers have also begun installing new gas, heat, smoke detection, and ventilation systems. These safety upgrades are now at 60% completion and are expected to significantly reduce the risk of future gas-related disasters by monitoring pressure and controlling air flow in the tunnels.

So far, R64 million has been spent on the first phase, with the full project valued at R192 million.

Local labour and small businesses benefit

Beyond the heavy machinery, this has also been a job-creating initiative. The JRA confirmed that 27 small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) have been contracted as part of the rebuild, with 38 general workers currently on site.

This aligns with the city’s ongoing push to ensure large infrastructure projects are not only about physical change but also economic inclusion, especially in the inner city.

Long days, late nights: how the team stayed on track

Despite heavy rain and seasonal delays earlier in the year, Nyathi praised the contractors for pushing through. Extended daily hours, weekend shifts, and even nighttime work on pavements helped keep things on schedule while minimising disruptions for pedestrians and local businesses.

“It’s about planning smarter, not just working harder,” he said, adding that collaboration between the JRA and contractors helped develop a more agile workflow to stay ahead of delays.

What’s next: phase two, block-by-block

Once the final touches of phase one are wrapped up, the second phase is set to begin next month and will run through to August 2026. That next stretch focuses on the rejuvenation of 1.8 kilometres of Lilian Ngoyi Street, between Ntemi Piliso and End Streets.

To manage the CBD’s notoriously heavy traffic, the JRA plans to roll out block-by-block closures, which will allow for construction without bringing the city to a standstill.

The DA’s Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku remains sceptical about the timeline, citing concerns from a recent oversight visit. But so far, phase one has moved largely according to plan.

Why this project matters

For many Johannesburgers, especially those who live and work in the inner city, this is about more than tarmac. It’s about safety, trust, and reclaiming a space that was broken, both physically and symbolically. The blast in 2023 rattled more than buildings; it fractured confidence in city infrastructure.

Now, with modern monitoring systems being built directly into the road and a clearer commitment to smart planning and transparency, the rebuild of Lilian Ngoyi Street is shaping up to be not just a restoration but a small triumph for urban resilience.