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Post: Gallows Corner Flyover Reopening Date Confirmed

Havering Council has welcomed a firm completion date for the long-running works at Gallows Corner, following “relentless pressure” on transport and utility bosses.

After months of delays and local frustration, Transport for London (TfL) has finally confirmed that the Gallows Corner junction and flyover are scheduled to reopen by the end of April 2026.

The announcement comes after Havering Council Leader Ray Morgon and Cabinet Member Barry Mugglestone conducted a site visit on February 11 to challenge project executives from TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) on their progress.

Gallows corner is a major local junction in Havering, connecting the A12 (London to Essex),  A127 (Southend),  A118 (Romford) & local roads.

The flyover itself is designed specifically to bypass the roundabout for traffic traveling between the A12 (Eastern Avenue) and the A127 (Southend Arterial Road).

Once the current works are completed in April 2026, the flyover will once again allow heavier vehicles (HGVs) to transition between these two major arteries without having to navigate the roundabout below, which is expected to significantly reduce congestion in the area.


Leader (L) and Cabinet Member (R) walking across new flyover

The Roadmap to Reopening

The project is now entering its final phase. Residents can expect to see the following milestones over the coming weeks:

Timeline Milestone
Late February ESW to complete critical “under-pressure” water main connections.
Mid-March Construction of reinforced anchor blocks to protect the new water mains.
End of March Full pressure testing of the new pipe route to ensure zero leaks.
April 2026 Waterproofing and surfacing of the flyover; installation of lighting and signs.
Late April 2026 Full reopening of the flyover and roundabout to general traffic.

“Unrelenting Pressure”

The Council has been vocal about the disruption faced by residents, schools, and local businesses. While the renewal of the flyover is essential for long-term safety—allowing the structure to carry heavier vehicles again—the delays have caused significant congestion across East London.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“This confirmation of an end date is the direct result of the Council’s unrelenting pressure. We recognise the long-term benefits, but we will not forget the real frustration people have faced. We continue to explore compensation for the community for this prolonged disruption.”

Why the Delay?

A major component of the project involved Essex & Suffolk Water replacing ageing water mains. This work is vital to “future-proof” Havering’s water supply, preventing potential mass outages for hundreds of thousands of households in the future.

The final stages involve rigorous disinfection and sampling of the new pipes to ensure drinking water meets high safety standards before the road is fully reinstated.


Leader and Cabinet Member speaking to Costain project staff on site.

What Happens Next?

Havering Council has committed to:

  • Close Scrutiny: Monitoring TfL and ESW against the weekly milestones.

  • Accountability: Challenging any further slippage or emerging risks.

  • Transparency: Demanding regular updates for the public as the April deadline approaches.

Drive safely: Until the end of April, all existing diversions and temporary traffic management systems remain in place.