Lilian Ngoyi Street Reopening: Joburg CBD Road To Finally Open After Two-Year Delay

After more than two years of setbacks, Johannesburg officials have confirmed that Lilian Ngoyi Street in the CBD will finally reopen on 12 September.

The busy road has been out of service since an underground gas explosion in July 2023 caused devastating damage. The blast killed one person and left several others injured, forcing a full closure of the vital transport route.

Explosion Damage Sparked Extended Road Closure

The explosion tore through the underground infrastructure, leaving sections of Lilian Ngoyi Street unstable and unsafe.

Since then, the area has remained cordoned off, causing major disruptions for commuters, businesses, and taxi operators who rely on the route daily. The prolonged closure has sparked growing frustration from the public, who have been waiting for updates on repair progress.

Despite the official announcement, doubts remain about whether the repairs will hold up in the long run.

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A local taxi association has openly questioned the durability of the newly paved road. “The paved road won’t last,” representatives warned, suggesting that further issues could arise soon after the reopening.

City officials, however, maintain that the repairs meet safety and quality standards and say the reopening will restore traffic flow through one of Johannesburg’s busiest streets.

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