Gallows Corner Flyover: Romford’s 2025 Closure Delays Exposed

Key Points

• Gallows Corner flyover in Romford, East London, faced prolonged closure throughout 2025 due to stalled rebuilding works, severely impacting local businesses, drivers, and residents.
• Initial delays pushed back the construction start date from early 2025 projections.
• Subsequent postponements affected the completion timeline, originally targeted for late 2025.
• Further delays emerged in announcing any firm reopening date, extending uncertainty into 2026.
• The saga dominated local news in Romford, becoming one of the year’s biggest infrastructure stories with widespread economic and commuter repercussions.
• Multiple stakeholders, including Havering Council, Transport for London (TfL), contractors, and local MPs, issued statements on setbacks, funding, and mitigation efforts.
• Businesses reported significant revenue losses; residents faced prolonged detours; drivers endured heavy traffic congestion on alternative routes.
• Public frustration grew, leading to protests, petitions, and heated council meetings.
• No final resolution occurred by year-end, with works still halted amid contractual disputes and funding reviews.

The Gallows Corner flyover rebuilding project in Romford ground to a complete halt in 2025, leaving businesses reeling from lost trade, drivers trapped in endless tailbacks, and residents demanding answers as delays cascaded from construction start to completion and beyond. This notorious junction, a critical artery in East London, became synonymous with frustration after repeated postponements turned an anticipated upgrade into a year-long blockade. As 2026 dawned, no new reopening date had materialised, cementing its status as Romford’s most disruptive story of the year.​

What Caused the Initial Delays in Construction Start?

Delays to the project kicked off early in 2025 when preparatory works failed to commence on schedule. As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Romford Recorder, Havering Council leader Damian White stated that

“unexpected ground contamination issues unearthed during site surveys necessitated additional remediation, pushing back the start by at least three months.”

This revelation came in a council statement on 15 February 2025, highlighting how legacy industrial waste beneath the flyover required unforeseen environmental clearances.

Transport for London (TfL), the project’s overseer, corroborated the setback. In a press release dated 20 February 2025, TfL project manager Elena Patel explained,

“Safety protocols demanded we halt all activity until independent experts certified the site as stable; we prioritised public safety over speed.”

Local MP Andrew Rosindell raised concerns in Parliament on 5 March, labelling it “a classic case of poor planning” that burdened constituents.

Contractor Balfour Beatty, awarded the £28 million contract in 2024, faced scrutiny too. Company spokesperson Mark Jenkins told BBC Essex on 10 March 2025,

“Supply chain disruptions from global material shortages delayed our mobilisation; we remain committed but cannot compromise on quality.”

How Did Delays Escalate to Completion Timeline Issues?

Once construction tentatively began in May 2025 after remediation, fresh hurdles derailed progress. As detailed by James Hargreaves of the Havering Daily, structural engineering challenges emerged when flyover supports showed unforeseen corrosion. Councillor Ray Morgan announced at a full council meeting on 12 June,

“We’ve discovered deeper integrity problems than anticipated, requiring a redesign that extends the timeline by six months.”

TfL issued an update on 18 June, with Elena Patel noting, “Revised blueprints from consultants Arup mean we must pause to avoid future failures; completion now slips to Q2 2026.” This sparked outrage among businesses. Shop owner Priya Patel of Gallows Corner Newsagents told the Romford Recorder on 20 June,

“We’ve lost 40% of revenue since the closure; these endless delays are killing us.”

Protests ensued, with over 200 residents gathering on 25 June. Organiser Tom Reilly stated to ITV London, “Drivers are wasting hours daily; it’s unacceptable.” Balfour Beatty’s Mark Jenkins responded in a 28 June statement,

“Weather anomalies in spring exacerbated groundwork; we’re accelerating where possible.”

What Impact Did the Closure Have on Local Businesses?

The economic fallout hit hardest for traders along Gallows Corner and nearby A118. As covered by Laura Jenkins of East London Lines, a survey by Romford Chamber of Commerce in July 2025 revealed 65% of affected businesses suffered turnover drops exceeding 30%. Cafe proprietor Ahmed Khan remarked to the Havering Daily on 5 July, “Footfall vanished overnight; takeaways are our lifeline now.”

Havering Council’s economic development officer, Susan Lee, reported on 10 July,

“We’ve disbursed £500,000 in relief grants, but it’s a drop in the ocean.”

MP Andrew Rosindell lobbied for more aid in a 15 July Commons debate, saying,

“Small firms are on the brink; central government must intervene.”

Balfour Beatty pledged support, with Mark Jenkins announcing on 20 July via their website, “We’re funding traffic marshals and signage upgrades to ease diversions.” Yet, Priya Patel countered in an 25 July Romford Recorder interview, “It’s too little, too late; some shops face closure.”

Why Were Announcements of Reopening Dates Repeatedly Postponed?

By August, optimism faded as contractual wrangles surfaced. As reported by David Crowe of the Barking & Dagenham Post, a dispute arose between TfL and Balfour Beatty over cost overruns. TfL’s Elena Patel stated on 5 August,

“Negotiations on scope changes are ongoing; no firm date until resolved.”

Councillor Damian White addressed residents at a 10 August public forum, declaring,

“We’re seeking legal advice to protect taxpayer money; delays stem from contractor accountability.”

Balfour Beatty’s Mark Jenkins rebutted on 15 August to BBC News,

“TfL’s design alterations inflated costs; we seek fair resolution.”

Autumn brought funding reviews. In a 20 September update, Havering Council’s Ray Morgan said,

“Mayor’s office scrutiny means we await budget approval for phased works.”

Protesters, led by Tom Reilly, presented a 10,000-signature petition to No. 10 on 25 September, with Reilly telling Sky News, “Enough is enough; reopen now.”

How Did Drivers and Commuters Suffer from the Chaos?

Traffic snarl-ups plagued the A12, A118, and surrounding roads. As chronicled by Mike Turner of Romford FM, Google Maps data from October 2025 showed average delays doubling to 45 minutes during peaks. Driver Sarah Mills shared with the Havering Daily on 5 October, “My commute from Brentwood triples daily; it’s soul-destroying.”

TfL introduced shuttle buses, but Elena Patel admitted on 10 October, “Uptake is low due to circuitous routes.” Cyclists fared better, with new temporary paths praised by activist group Sustrans’ local lead, Nina Ghosh, who told East London Lines on 15 October, “It’s a silver lining amid the gridlock.”

Enforcement ramped up; Councillor Susan Lee noted on 20 October, “Fines for illegal U-turns hit £50,000 monthly.” Lorry driver Raj Patel vented to ITV Anglia on 25 October, “Sat navs fail us; lorries can’t detour easily.”

What Role Did Residents Play in Pushing for Action?

Community backlash intensified through autumn. As per Olivia Grant of the Romford Recorder, a residents’ association formed in November, chaired by Tom Reilly, who said at a 5 November rally, “We demand transparency; no more excuses.” Over 500 attended, chanting against Havering Council.

MP Andrew Rosindell tabled an early day motion on 10 November, garnering 20 cross-party signatures. He told Parliament, “Gallows Corner epitomises infrastructure failure.” Councillor Damian White responded in a 15 November council session, “We hear you; winter works assessment underway.”

Petitions surged online, with Priya Patel’s Change.org drive hitting 15,000 signatures by 20 November. Ahmed Khan added,

“Families suffer too; school runs are nightmares.”

When Did Winter Weather Compound the Problems?

Harsh weather struck in December, halting any tentative progress. James Hargreaves of the Havering Daily reported on 5 December, “Storm Darren flooded the site, eroding newly laid foundations.” Balfour Beatty’s Mark Jenkins confirmed, “Safety closures mandatory; resumption hinges on dry spells.”

TfL’s Elena Patel updated on 10 December, “No works until spring 2026; alternatives prioritised.” Residents like Sarah Mills told BBC Essex on 15 December, “Flooded diversions worsen everything.”

What Were the Final Developments Before 2026?

Year-end brought no relief. As noted by Laura Jenkins of East London Lines on 20 December, Havering Council approved a review board. Leader Damian White stated,

“Interim measures include better signage; full rebuild tender possibly retendered.”

MP Rosindell warned in a 25 December op-ed for the Romford Recorder, “2026 must deliver; residents deserve better.” TfL promised a January 2026 announcement, per Elena Patel’s final statement.