Johannesburg motorists and businesses will have to wait longer for the reopening of Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly Bree Street, after cash-flow constraints delayed rehabilitation work, with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) now saying the road should be completed by October 31, instead of the end of August.
The revised deadline comes as the JRA’s self-imposed August 30 target for the rehabilitation of the 1.8km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets looms.
The JRA confirmed on Friday, August 28, that full-scale rehabilitation work on Phase 2 of the project had resumed following the resolution of recent operational cash-flow constraints.
The second phase officially began in September 2025 after the completion and partial reopening of Phase 1, which focused on the beautification of the street.
Target date revised
Lilian Ngoyi Street was badly damaged when a methane gas explosion occurred on July 19, 2023, killing one person and injuring several others.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said payments had now been finalised and the contractor had regained momentum on site.
The project is currently 72% complete.
“To ensure the delivery of a fully upgraded, high-capacity arterial road and underground services network that meets stringent engineering and safety standards, the JRA has revised the target date for practical completion and the reopening of the road from the end of August 2026 to 31 October 2026,” she said.
Peters-Scheepers said the revised completion date was contingent on the timely payment of service providers going forward.
“The appointed contractor is currently on site undertaking critical upgrades to the road surface, stormwater infrastructure and sidewalk extensions on Lilian Ngoyi Street, between Ntemi Piliso and End streets, as part of the second and final phase of the project involving the overall enhancement of the 1.8km stretch of Lilian Ngoyi Street,” she said.
What the job entails
Peters-Scheepers said the work will align the road layout with the newly reconstructed 450m section between Harrison and Wanderers streets, which reopened to traffic in September 2025 following the July 2023 gas explosion.
According to the JRA, the current scope of work includes:
Paving the road and sidewalks
Kerbing and base correction at intersections
Excavation and installation of underground stormwater pipes;
Construction of stormwater manholes and kerb inlets
Installation of electrical lighting
Image: Facebook / Dada Morero
JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi said major works were expected to be completed before the October rains, after which the construction and installation of bus stops, street furniture and landscaping would be finalised.
“JRA assures road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders of its efforts to ensure that the project remains on track without further delays beyond October 2026,” he said.
Peters-Scheepers said the project was being implemented in phases to minimise disruption to traffic and business activity.
She said localised closures on Lilian Ngoyi Street and partial closures on adjacent roads will remain in place until the end of October as part of the JRA’s acceleration plan to complete the outstanding work.
Affected sections
According to the JRA, affected sections are:
- Wanderers Street to Von Wielligh Street
- Von Wielligh Street to Delvers Street
- Delvers Street to Troye Street
- Troye Street to Polly Street
- Polly Street to Claim Street
- Claim Street to Nugget Street
- Nugget Street to End Street
The sections will be closed progressively to facilitate the completion of the outstanding work.
“As each section is completed, it will be reopened to traffic accordingly. All intersections will remain operational during the sectional closures,” Peters-Scheepers said.
The city’s MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, said the metro remained committed to resolving its challenges.
“The city is committed to resolving cash-flow challenges to ensure service delivery continuity for all, enabling entities such as the JRA to successfully carry out the necessary road infrastructure projects which are vital for public mobility and economic activities,” Kunene said.
Meanwhile, the JRA said it extends its gratitude to motorists, residents and local business owners for their continued patience and cooperation as it finalises the critical connection route.
