First phase of Johannesburg's Lilian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project almost complete

THE City of Johannesburg has announced significant progress on the much-anticipated rehabilitation project on Lilian Ngoyi Street, with 86% of the construction work now completed.

- ANITA NKONKI

The road has been closed since July 2023, after a devastating gas explosion which claimed the lives of over 15 people and left others injured as it ripped up the key route into the CBD.

The explosion resulted in the collapse of approximately 450 metres of the road between Harrison and Kruis Streets.

The incident also caused substantial damage to vital underground infrastructure, including stormwater and electrical networks.

The reconstruction initiative has been a collaborative effort between the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and local stakeholders.

JRA officials have confirmed that the first phase is poised for completion by the end of August 2025.

Residents and commuters alike have likely noticed the enhanced infrastructure, with the construction of new and reinforced tunnels completed alongside backfilling and compaction works.