Lillian Ngoyi Street to reopen after catastrophic gas explosion closure

The city of Joburg in  partnership with Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA), have announced the partial reopening of Lillian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street, following a catastrophic underground gas explosion.

The street was shut down in July 2023 after the explosion ripped through several blocks, severely damaging infrastructure and disrupting transport routes and businesses.

Executive Mayor Dada Morero confirmed that the street has been designed to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. 

“While pedestrians are free to use the road from today, it will only be open to vehicles from 12 .September 2025,” the mayor said.

Phase 2 has now begun and has been expected to be completed by August 2026.

Motorists will no longer be permitted to park along the street, as former parking spaces have been converted into pedestrian walkways.

The City of Johannesburg said the phased reopening forms part of a broader effort to restore normal movement in the CBD while ensuring the safety of residents and commuters. ripped through the , damaging infrastructure and disrupting transport routes and businesses.