Motorists and commuters welcome reopening of Lilian Ngoyi Street

JOHANNESBURG - Motorists have started using Lilian Ngoyi Street after it was officially opened on Friday following a two-year closure.

Formerly known as Bree Street, the busy roadway was destroyed in July 2023 following a massive underground gas pipe explosion. 

Repairs faced repeated delays, largely due to disputes with the first company contracted for the project. 

Already, dozens of taxis are making their way through, while residents sing with joy at the sight of traffic returning to the road after two years. 

Motorists are hooting in celebration as pedestrians on the roadside join in song, welcoming the reopening of a street that had long been closed for repairs. 

One resident, who lives in one of the buildings on Lilian Ngoyi Street, said she has been waiting for this moment for a long time. 

"I'm very happy and proud because I stay here on Bree Street. It’s been a long time since it was damaged. So today, I’m here to celebrate."

The City of Johannesburg will now begin with phase two of the project, which involves making the street visually appealing.