By Anastasi Mokgobu.
Lilian Ngoyi street, formerly Bree street in the Johannesburg CBD will not reopen to traffic on Monday, even though phase one of the repairs have been completed.
Safety nets still surround the area damaged by the 2023’s underground gas explosion, which killed one person and injured several others.
Dust and sand also cover sections of the newly reconstructed road, as clean-up work continues.
Mayor Dada Morero on Monday confirmed that phase one of the rehabilitation project is complete, but motorists and pedestrians will have to wait until further work is done before the street fully reopens.
“Our engineers and technicians are convinced that we will not have another explosion. They’ve made sure that the pipes and infrastructure underneath are restored. They’ve also restored the pipes underneath, the underground tunnels have also been restored.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi explained the changes made to the rebuilt section.
He said unlike the original tar surfacing, this stretch has now been paved with bricks as part of the city’s broader transport masterplan.
“One of the most important things was a learning curve that we embarked on as the city,” Nyathi said.
“We never had an opportunity to detect what is underneath, and this project gave us a chance to relook at the city and its infrastructure so that we can be proactive in future.”
Nyathi added that the project also included the installation of state-of-the-art sensors and technology to monitor the road, reducing the need for constant human oversight.
“As part of the transportation masterplan, that is why you find yourself standing on a pavement, “he said.
“Some will ask why the pavement? We are beautifying the city all the way to the Transit Mall. Phase two will see the road look different, with fewer lanes to promote walking, cycling, and public transport rather than heavy motor traffic.”
Nyathi emphasised the city’s goal of creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment in the CBD. Traffic signals have been upgraded with pedestrian timers, and measures are being implemented to reduce jaywalking.
“The road is for everyone — walking, cycling, cars, public transport,” he said. “With phase two, maybe phase three, and a walkable network around the city, we are moving towards a world-class African city where everyone can use the roads safely.”
Despite the completion of phase one, the street remains closed as the city prepares for the next stage of the rehabilitation project. Morero and Nyathi thanked the community and businesses for their patience during the construction process.
Phase 2 of the Lillian Ngoyi project will now begin, focusing on beautification, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly enhancements.