Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has postponed the opening of Lillian Ngoyi Street by two months due to cash flow difficulties. The completion of the 1.8 km reconstruction project is now scheduled for October 31.
Drivers and businesses in Johannesburg must wait longer for the opening of Lillian Ngoyi Street, previously known as Bree Street. The delay occurred due to funding constraints, and JRA announced that the road will be ready by October 31 instead of the end of August.
This revised deadline emerged against the backdrop of JRA's target date of August 30 for completing the reconstruction of the 1.8 km section between Ntemi Piliso Street and End Street.
JRA confirmed on August 28 that full-scale work on Phase 2 of the project resumed after resolving recent operational cash flow problems. Phase 2 officially started in September 2025, following the completion and partial opening of Phase 1, which focused on street beautification.
Timeline Change
Lillian Ngoyi Street sustained serious damage from a methane gas explosion on July 19, 2023, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. A JRA representative, Bertha Peters-Schipers, reported that payments have now been settled, and the contractor has regained momentum on the site. The project is currently 72% complete.
Peters-Schipers stated: "To ensure the delivery of a fully modernized arterial road and underground utility network that meets strict engineering and safety standards, JRA has adjusted the target date for practical completion and road opening from the end of August 2026 to October 31, 2026." She clarified that the new deadline depends on the timely payment of service providers going forward.
Peters-Schipers added that the appointed contractor is carrying out critical improvements to the road surface, stormwater drainage infrastructure, and sidewalk widening on Lillian Ngoyi Street, between Ntemi Piliso Street and End Street, as part of the second and final phase of the project aimed at generally improving the 1.8-kilometer stretch of Lillian Ngoyi Street.
Scope of Work
Peters-Schipers explained that the work will be coordinated with the recently restored 450-meter section between Harrison Street and Vanders Street, which reopened to traffic in September 2025 after the gas explosion in July 2023. According to JRA, the current scope of work includes:
- Paving and sidewalk installation
- Installation of curbs and base repair at intersections
- Excavation and installation of underground stormwater pipes
- Construction of stormwater manholes and catch basins on curbs
- Installation of electrical lighting
Drivers and businesses in Johannesburg will have to wait longer for the opening of Lillian Ngoyi Street, as the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has moved the completion date from late August to October 31. JRA CEO Zveli Nyathi stated that the main works should be finished before the autumn rains, after which the construction of bus stops, street furniture, and landscaping will be finalized.
He assured road users, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders of JRA's efforts to keep the project on schedule without further delays after October 2026. Peters-Schipers noted that the project is being implemented in phases to minimize disruptions to traffic and business activity. Localized closures on Lillian Ngoyi Street and partial closures on adjacent roads will remain in effect until the end of October as part of JRA's acceleration plan to complete the remaining work.
Affected Sections
According to JRA, the affected sections include: Vanders Street to Von Willig Street, Von Willig Street to Delvers Street, Delvers Street to Troy Street, Troy Street to Polly Street, Polly Street to Kleim Street, Kleim Street to Nugget Street, and Nugget Street to End Street. These sections will be closed sequentially to ensure the completion of unfinished work. Peters-Schipers emphasized that as each section is completed, it will reopen to traffic, and all intersections will remain functional during sectional closures.
The City's Minister of Urban Development and Transport, Kenny Kunene, stated that the municipality remains committed to solving its problems. He noted: "The city intends to resolve cash flow issues to ensure the continuous provision of services for everyone, allowing structures like JRA to successfully carry out necessary road infrastructure projects vital for public mobility and economic activity."
Meanwhile, JRA expressed gratitude to drivers, residents, and local business owners for their continued patience and cooperation during the completion of this critical connecting route.