Havering Council Seeks Compensation from TfL for Gallows Corner Traffic Damage
The Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout in Romford is undergoing a major, long-term renewal project, now expected to fully reopen by the end of April 2026. This critical infrastructure project, which began in June 2025, involves completely replacing the aging 1970s structure. Due to complex ground issues and extensive utility work, the project has experienced significant delays, extending far beyond the original ten-week timeline.
Council Demands Financial Compensation for Road Wear
Havering Council will seek compensation from Transport for London for the substantial "wear and damage" caused to local roads by traffic diverted from Gallows Corner. The junction has been closed for almost nine months for this major reconstruction, creating substantial detours and increased traffic on alternative routes throughout the borough.
Councillor Barry Mugglestone, the cabinet member for environment, stated unequivocally that the council "needed to be compensated" by TfL for the deterioration of other roads caused by rerouted traffic. Currently, Gallows Corner remains closed to all traffic except emergency service vehicles, black cabs, and TfL buses, forcing thousands of vehicles daily onto alternative routes not designed for such volume.
Project Delays and Infrastructure Improvements
Both the roundabout and flyover are being totally rebuilt by Transport for London, which promises the renewed infrastructure will "allow for the removal of speed and weight restrictions, improving journey times, reliability and safety." The new Gallows Corner will also feature dedicated pedestrian and cycling routes, representing a significant upgrade from the previous design.
TfL and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan – whose office is funding the works alongside the Department for Transport – apologised last November for what Khan called "continued disruption caused by the delays." The project's extended timeline has created ongoing challenges for both residents and businesses in the affected areas.
Compensation Process and Evidence Gathering
The council has yet to formally approach TfL for compensation, but Councillor Mugglestone confirmed the body had been "advised" it would be in touch once the works had been completed and the full impact could be properly assessed. He revealed that TfL's initial position was that it "did not agree" with the need for compensation, setting the stage for potential negotiations.
The Elm Park ward councillor added that Havering officers would employ sophisticated methods to support their claim, using artificial intelligence and live data to ensure their compensation request was backed by "robust evidence" of the actual damage caused by diverted traffic.
Business Impact and Community Response
Local businesses have reported significant negative impacts from the prolonged closure. Easy Bathrooms, located in Burney Trade Park, told the Romford Recorder just one week into the closure that business had been "quiet" and the situation was "really, really tough," highlighting the economic consequences of the infrastructure project delays.
A TfL spokesperson emphasized this week that the renewal was "essential to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of this key part of the road network," while expressing that the body was "incredibly grateful to residents and businesses for their continued patience while we carry out these essential works."
The spokesperson added, "We remain wholly focused on completing the work as quickly and safely as possible and are continuing to work closely with Havering Council on this," indicating ongoing collaboration despite the compensation dispute.
