COUNCIL NEWS: “Nightmare almost over” as Gallows Corner final works begin
Havering Council has welcomed confirmation that Gallows Corner junction and flyover are on track to fully reopen to general traffic by the end of September 2026.
Gallows Corner junction and flyover are on track to fully reopen to general traffic by the end of September 2026, with all diversions and traffic management removed.
Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) has completed its final works at the junction, allowing Transport for London’s (TfL) contractor, Costain, to begin the last phase of reinstatement and resurfacing works.
Costain is completing carriageway works on the A127 and A12 this week, followed by final white lining and the commissioning of new pedestrian crossings.
The final phase will require overnight closures of the flyover and one full weekend closure, with diversions in place while resurfacing is completed.
The programme is now expected to see the entire junction, including both the roundabout and flyover in all directions, reopen fully by the end of September — ahead of the October deadline set by the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Keith Prince AM.
Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"The nightmare is almost over for residents and businesses who have had to put up with months of unacceptable disruption at Gallows Corner.
"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.
"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.
"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."
The final resurfacing works will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption as much as possible.
The flyover will be fully closed overnight from 10pm on Thursday 17 September to 5am on Friday 18 September.
The roundabout remaining partially open and access maintained to A12 Colchester Road eastbound, Straight Road in both directions and Main Road in both directions, during this period.
A full closure of both the flyover and roundabout will then take place from 10pm on Friday 18 September to 5am on Monday 21 September.
During this period, no vehicle journeys will be possible through Gallows Corner in any direction, including access to or from the A127 Southend Arterial Road, A12 Colchester Road to A12 Eastern Avenue, or A118 Main Road.
Local diversion routes will be in place.
Published: 10 September 2026
This article is based on information supplied by Havering Council.
Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!
We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.
Discover more from The Havering Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
