Endless List Of Problems Encountered As No End in Sight Yet for Gallows Corner Delays, Says Keith Prince

Residents in Havering are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing delays at Gallows Corner, as yet another meeting has taken place with no firm completion date confirmed.

Reform Greater London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, Keith Prince, has shared the latest update following discussions with Transport for London (TfL), Essex and Suffolk Water, and Havering Council. The meeting was held after Councillor Prince requested clear and concise information on the project’s progress — and whether an end was finally in sight.

“Unfortunately, we still have no set date as yet,” said Mr Prince. “I was informed that by the end of October another meeting will be arranged that should provide residents with dates on when these phases will be complete.”

The project is now being organised in three set phases.

• Phase 1 will see a partial reopening of the roundabout once new water mains are in place, allowing traffic to pass through one side.
• Phase 2 will involve another partial reopening, with the possible inclusion of the flyover.
• Phase 3 will see the full reopening of the junction.

Councillor Prince explained that Havering Council will be reviewing each phase carefully to assess how well the partial openings work and their impact on the borough.

“By the end of October we should be in a position to have a date for the start of Phase 1,” continued Keith.

He also revealed that workmen have encountered a “long list of problems” since construction began, including vital underground water mains that needed attention.

“The flyover itself is in 13 sections like a Meccano set, and we were told yesterday that much of the work is going on behind the scenes,” Councillor Prince added. “We were also informed that a great deal of shale was found and has had to be removed. We were assured that this remains the main project for all the relevant agencies and that work is being carried out as quickly as possible.”

While the update may not be what residents were hoping for, there is at least some progress — and within two weeks, the public should finally have clearer dates for when each phase will be completed.

Councillor Prince finished by saying: “I have insisted another meeting take place to provide us with clear dates and that a response on any possible compensation for businesses will be provided by the end of October.”.

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