Johannesburg – After more than two years of delays, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has confirmed that Lillian Ngoyi Street in the CBD will reopen on 12 September 2025.
The road has been closed since July 2023, when an underground gas explosion ripped through the street, tragically killing one person and injuring several others. The blast caused extensive structural damage, forcing a prolonged closure and repairs.

According to JRA officials, the final stages of resurfacing and safety checks are now underway to ensure the road is safe for motorists and pedestrians.
However, concerns remain. Some taxi associations in the city have expressed doubts about the durability of the repairs, warning that the paving method used may not withstand heavy traffic in the long run.
The reopening is expected to ease congestion in the inner city, where commuters and businesses have endured significant disruptions since the closure.