Key Points
- Transport for London (TfL) has apologised to Havering residents for further disruption at Gallows Corner junction.
- TfL’s main works are complete, but new water main issues identified by Essex and Suffolk Water (ESW) have caused additional delays.
- TfL is exploring a partial reopening while ESW resolves the remaining problems.
- Scott Haxton, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery, confirmed progress but highlighted testing issues with the water main.
- No firm reopening date has been set, leaving uncertainty for local residents and businesses.
- Ongoing frustration reported among Havering community due to months of missed deadlines.
Gallows Corner, Havering (East London Times) April 25, 2026 – Transport for London has issued an apology to Havering residents over ongoing delays at Gallows Corner junction, stating they are “very sorry for the further disruption” and are now considering a partial reopening.
Why Has Gallows Corner Reopening Been Delayed Again?
As reported exclusively by journalists at the Havering Daily, TfL confirmed that while their significant works at the junction are now complete, fresh issues with the water main have emerged. Essex and Suffolk Water identified the need for further work during testing to ensure the system is fully operational.
Scott Haxton, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery, said:
“All significant TfL works at Gallows Corner have now been completed and Essex and Suffolk Water has also made progress with its complex and challenging work. During testing ESW identified further work needed to ensure the water main is fully assured.”
TfL added in a statement to the Havering Daily:
“We are working together with ESW to ensure this vital work can be done at pace and we are exploring whether a partial reopening may be possible in the meantime.”
The apology acknowledged the impact on the area:
“We are very sorry for the further disruption this will cause to local residents and businesses, and we remain committed with ESW to confirm an opening date as soon as possible.”
What Do Residents Say About the Delays?
For residents across Havering, the apology and partial reopening suggestion have not eased frustration after months of disruption. Many express they are no longer surprised by delays following repeated missed deadlines. The junction connects major routes through Romford, Harold Wood, and Gidea Park, making its closure particularly disruptive.
Earlier coverage by the Havering Daily highlighted councillors’ demands for updates. Havering Residents Association councillors Philippa Crowder, John Crowder, and Paul McGeary called for transparency. Cllr Philippa Crowder said:
“Residents are at breaking point. Every day, people are stuck in traffic for hours trying to get to work, do school runs, or reach local shops. TfL needs to stop hiding behind silence and tell Havering when Gallows Corner will be usable again.”
Cllr John Crowder added:
“This affects thousands of people every single day. It’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a major disruption to local life and the local economy. TfL owes residents transparency and a firm reopening date.”
How Did Earlier Delays Unfold?
A leaked email reported by the Havering Daily on April 23, 2026, revealed new technical issues with the strategic water main, extending works beyond the end of April. The email stated:
“Essex & Suffolk Water have encountered technical issues with the strategic water main, which means that the water main works…”
It confirmed the flyover is structurally complete but delays link directly to ESW.
Havering Council previously piled pressure on TfL and ESW. In a September 2025 statement on havering.gov.uk, the council noted:
“We learnt that the bulk of the delay is due to issues encountered with the parallel project by ESW, specifically those arising from the water mains diversion being undertaken. While we appreciate the importance of renewing strategic water mains… we are extremely concerned that complications encountered during tunnelling… are now resulting in significant slippage for completion of the flyover.”
In February 2026, the council welcomed a then-confirmed end date of April 2026, stating:
“This is critical to future proof Havering’s water supply… We will continue to keep TfL and ESW under close scrutiny… This revised date must be honoured.”
Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford issued a statement in August 2025:
“Despite repeated assurances from Transport for London (TfL), the ongoing closure… has caused immense disruption to our community. Local businesses are suffering, residents are facing longer and more stressful journeys, and the economic damage is mounting by the day.”
What Progress Has Been Made on Site?
TfL and ESW works at Gallows Corner involve refurbishing the flyover and diverting a strategic water main. The project began with full closures from June to September 2025, followed by ongoing phases.
Recent updates indicate the flyover is structurally complete, with TfL’s capital works finished. ESW’s testing revealed the latest issues, shifting focus to swift resolution.
Havering Council meetings, such as the Strategic Planning Committee in December 2025, raised traffic concerns around nearby sites but tied into broader junction impacts.
Background of the Gallows Corner Development
Gallows Corner junction upgrade forms part of TfL’s efforts to improve safety and capacity on key routes in northeast London. The project addresses long-standing congestion at the intersection of the A118, A12, and B175, serving Havering borough including Romford and surrounding areas.
Works include flyover refurbishment to extend its life and ESW’s water main diversion to future-proof supply for thousands of households. Initial closures started in 2025, with multiple revised timelines due to utility complications. Havering Council has monitored progress, pressing for accountability amid resident complaints. The site handles high daily traffic, linking to major employment and retail zones.
Prediction: Impact on Havering Residents and Businesses
This development could prolong daily commutes for Havering residents, increasing travel times for school runs, work trips, and shopping in Romford, Harold Wood, and Gidea Park. Partial reopening, if achieved, might restore limited access to ease gridlock on detour routes, but full resolution of water main issues remains key to normalising traffic flow.
Local businesses may face continued reduced footfall if closures persist, affecting trade in nearby areas. Thousands of daily users stand to benefit from eventual completion, improving safety and reliability, though repeated delays risk eroding trust in TfL timelines. Uncertainty without a firm date sustains planning challenges for families and commuters.
