Transport for London (TfL) has apologised for the continued delays in reopening Gallows Corner, now approaching a full year since the flyover and roundabout were shut on June 23, 2025. The site in Romford is being completely rebuilt to improve journey times and road safety, but the project has faced repeated setbacks due to complex ground conditions and utility works.
Havering Council leader challenges TfL to reopen by October
After a recent meeting, Havering Council's new leader Keith Prince said he was “challenging them” to reopen the long-closed flyover and roundabout by October. TfL previously missed an April deadline after issues with water pipes were identified by Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW).
Drivers will have to wait until at least August before they can use Gallows Corner again. TfL now says the site should be handed back to them once water main repairs are complete, but further work is needed after that.
Impact on residents and businesses
The prolonged closure has significantly affected residents and businesses. Local campaigners report severe congestion on roads in Ardleigh Green and surrounding areas as drivers divert around the works. Some businesses have seen a sharp fall in trade; one nearby engineering firm said the disruption forced it to close earlier this year after months of declining custom.
A TfL spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are working hard to complete the project as soon as possible, while ensuring infrastructure is safe and ready to enter service. Complex work remains, but Essex & Suffolk Water currently expects to complete its works and hand the site back to us by the end of August.
“Following this, we will need to complete final reinstatement and resurfacing works in the area where work has been taking place before we can fully reopen the road network. We know how deeply frustrating this situation continues to be for local residents, businesses and road users and we are very sorry for the ongoing disruption. We remain focused on completing the remaining work safely and as quickly as possible, while protecting vital water supplies.”
Petition demands compensation
All major TfL groundworks have been completed, and work is progressing on repairing the troublesome water pipe. Cllr Prince said TfL expects to be finished by September, but he doubts it due to possible further delays and considers October more realistic. Work began on Gallows Corner last March and was originally scheduled for completion by September 2025.
After the previous council administration branded the continued delays a “farce,” more than 1,900 residents signed a petition demanding compensation. The petition, launched by resident Liz O'Grady, has attracted almost 2,000 signatures. Campaigners argue the community has reached “breaking point” after more than a year of disruption, saying repeated delays have left them with little confidence in TfL's reopening promises.
Dave Thompson, who owns Rapid Mechanical Services near the roundabout, was forced to shut his business in February due to financial problems caused by the closure. He told MyLondon: “It's been a sham from day one, really. Since June it's been poor - business has been going down. People don't want to come into the area, and couriers are struggling to deliver parts - they used to come in every day and now it's once a week. It's been a farce. The bottom line is, we need some sort of compensation, and if it is coming, it's too late, and it's not going to be enough. We've gone down by 67 per cent. The business can't sustain itself any longer so [on] Friday we're actually shutting the doors.”
