JRA says on track to finish Lilian Ngoyi Street repairs by end of August
The street has been closed to traffic for two years due to an underground gas explosion that severely damaged the corridor.
An image of the site of the Lilian Ngoyi Street blast, where an underground gas explosion ripped open an extensive strip of roadway in July 2023, was posted by Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda on 11 January 2024. Picture: X/KabeloGwamanda
JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced that repairs to Lilian Ngoyi Street, commonly known as Bree Street, in the Johannesburg CBD are progressing well, with completion expected by the end of August.
The street has been closed to traffic for two years due to an underground gas explosion that severely damaged the corridor.
After missing earlier deadlines, the City of Johannesburg has committed to reopening the street to traffic on August 31.
The City of Johannesburg says the rehabilitation of Bree Street will take place in phases. The first phase focuses on restoring the damaged corridor, while the second phase will focus on aesthetic enhancements to the busy road.
Delays in repairing the corridor were due to disputes with contractors, which forced the city to hire a different contractor to finish the work.
READ: Repairs to Lilian Ngoyi Street in Joburg CBD expected to be completed by August - Morero
JRA acting ceo Lufuno Mashau says more than 40% of the work has already been completed.
"Beyond the visible construction, this crucial project involves the complex reinstallation and relocation of essential stormwater, water, and sewer pipes. Furthermore, we are installing new lighting, smoke detection, and ventilation systems in the service tunnels. As part of the health and safety assurance and compliance on the project, the lateral support on deep excavations have been installed to prevent the collapse of the material."
The City of Johannesburg has allocated nearly R200 million for the reconstruction of the road.