Key Points
- Full Reopening Target: The Gallows Corner junction and flyover are scheduled to reopen fully to general traffic by the end of September 2026, ahead of the October deadline set by Havering Council.
- Handover by Utility Provider: Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) has completed its complex water main works, allowing Transport for London’s (TfL) main contractor, Costain, to start the final resurfacing, white lining, and crossing installations.
- Immediate Carriageway Schedule: Costain is finishing carriageway works on the A127 and A12, followed by white lining and the commissioning of new pedestrian crossings.
- Overnight Flyover Closure: A full overnight closure of the flyover will occur from 10:00pm on Thursday 17 September to 5:00am on Friday 18 September, whilst the roundabout remains partially open.
- Full Weekend Shutdown: A total closure of both the flyover and roundabout is scheduled from 10:00pm on Friday 18 September to 5:00am on Monday 21 September, blocking all transit through the junction in every direction.
- Demands for Compensation: Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, has vowed to continue pressing TfL for business compensation and repairs to council roads damaged by heavy diversion traffic.
Havering (East London Times) September 11, 2026 — Havering Council has formally welcomed confirmation that the major roadworks at the Gallows Corner junction and flyover are on track to fully reopen to general traffic by the end of September 2026. According to official council announcements, all traffic management systems, temporary signals, and diversions will be completely removed once the scheme finishes. This project phase signals the final stages of a multi-million-pound infrastructure renewal aimed at securing the long-term structural viability of the 1970s flyover and replacing vital underground utility pipes.
How are the final road works being staged by contractors?
The transition into the final scheme phase follows the successful conclusion of utility operations by Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW). With the water company completing its underground works, Transport for London’s primary contractor, Costain, has taken over the site to begin final reinstatement and resurfacing. Operations currently underway include carriageway resurfacing on both the A127 Southend Arterial Road and the A12, which will be immediately followed by white lining painting and the formal testing and commissioning of new signalised pedestrian crossings.
What did Havering Council Leader Keith Prince state regarding the project?
As reported in official statements issued by Havering Council, Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, stated:
“The nightmare is almost over for residents and businesses who have had to put up with months of unacceptable disruption at Gallows Corner.”
Councillor Prince highlighted his political involvement in setting project deadlines, adding,
“When I became Leader, I set a clear end date of October and have been pushing hard to make sure Transport for London and Essex & Suffolk Water complete these works and honour that commitment. It now looks like they are on track to fully reopen the junction and flyover by that date at the latest, and potentially by the end of September.”
Reflecting on the local economic impact, Councillor Prince noted:
“We hope this finally marks the end of the disruption caused to local people, but we also know the pain suffered by businesses will be felt for a long time.”
He confirmed his ongoing stance towards transport authorities, explaining,
“I will keep pressing TfL for compensation for businesses affected, and for the Council, whose roads have been impacted and damaged by larger vehicles being forced onto diversion routes that are not appropriate for their weight or size. I urge all residents and road users to plan ahead and, where possible, avoid the area during what we hope will be the final few weeks of disruption. We will continue to do everything we can to hold TfL and ESW to account and make sure this work is completed as quickly and safely as possible.”
What are the exact closure times for the upcoming roadworks?
Contractors have confirmed that the final resurfacing phase requires two distinct temporary closures to carry out heavy machinery operations safely. Drivers and local hauliers are advised of the following traffic restrictions:
- Overnight Flyover Closure: The flyover will close completely from 10:00pm on Thursday 17 September to 5:00am on Friday 18 September. During this overnight period, the surface-level roundabout will remain partially open. Vehicle access will be maintained for the A12 Colchester Road eastbound, Straight Road in both directions, and Main Road in both directions.
- Full Weekend Junction Shutdown: A total closure of both the flyover and the roundabout will take place from 10:00pm on Friday 18 September until 5:00am on Monday 21 September. During this 55-hour window, no vehicular movement will be permitted through Gallows Corner in any direction. This includes complete blockages between the A127 Southend Arterial Road, A12 Colchester Road, A12 Eastern Avenue, and A118 Main Road, with comprehensive diversion routes directed onto surrounding strategic roads.
Background of the particular development
Gallows Corner, situated in the London Borough of Havering, serves as one of East London’s most vital transport interchanges, connecting the A12, the A127, and the A118. The original flyover structure was erected in the 1970s as a temporary solution to relieve severe junction congestion. Over decades of heavy use, the structure deteriorated significantly, forcing transport authorities to implement strict weight and speed restrictions to ensure operational safety.
Following prolonged lobbying by local representatives, Transport for London (TfL), alongside funding partners including the Department for Transport, initiated a £66 million comprehensive renewal scheme. The complex engineering brief required replacing all major flyover components, strengthen foundation piers, and modernise pedestrian crossing infrastructure.
However, engineering progress faced substantial delays due to underground complications encountered by Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW). A major strategic water main running directly beneath the complex junction required diversion and full replacement. Technical challenges, ground instability, and material procurement extended the disruption period, forcing local traffic onto residential side roads and causing significant commercial losses for surrounding businesses.
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Prediction: How this development will affect local residents, businesses, and road users
Impact on Local Motorists and Transport Operators
The full reopening of Gallows Corner by late September 2026 is expected to eliminate major traffic bottlenecks across outer East London and South Essex. Motorists will experience drastically reduced journey times along the A12 and A127 corridors. Furthermore, the complete structural strengthening of the flyover allows TfL to lift historic weight and speed restrictions, enabling heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and regional freight to return to main arterial routes rather than filtering through narrow local diversion paths.
Impact on Local Businesses and Commercial Trade
For retail outlets, hospitality venues, and trade parks situated near Main Road, Straight Road, and Eastern Avenue, the removal of road closures marks a vital turning point. While business leaders have reported significant revenue losses due to reduced customer footfall during months of gridlock, the restoration of full road access will normalize supply deliveries and customer access. Additionally, potential financial compensation payouts—which Council Leader Keith Prince continues to demand from TfL—could offer crucial recovery capital for severely impacted local firms.
Impact on Residential Communities and Council Infrastructure
Surrounding residential neighbourhoods will see an immediate decrease in rat-running, noise pollution, and vehicular emissions as heavy traffic transitions back onto the main roundabout and flyover. For Havering Council, the conclusion of the works allows civil engineering teams to assess structural wear and tear on local diversion roads. With heavy freight redirected back onto strategic TfL routes, the council can begin repair programmes funded by capital claims submitted directly to transport authorities.
