Get ready for Gallows Corner closure

Havering Council is urging residents and businesses to plan their journeys ahead of a full closure of Gallows Corner flyover and junction.

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that from 9pm on Monday 23 June, Gallows Corner junction will be closed to all traffic - except emergency vehicles, black cabs and TfL buses – as they begin the second phase of major strengthening and refurbishment work on the flyover. The project is being part-funded by the Department for Transport and the Mayor of London.

Background

The widely used flyover is a key road in the borough, which has been due for an upgrade for many years. In its current state, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are unable to use it and there is a permanent speed limit of 20 miles an hour.

The road is also often subject to maintenance, meaning closure and putting added pressure to the roundabout below and the roads in the surrounding area.

What's changing?

The TfL works include a major strengthening and refurbishment of the current flyover over the summer. Once completed the flyover will be able to once again carry HGVs and the speed limit will increase to 30 miles an hour. This will mean HGVs will no longer need to use the roundabout below the flyover, relieving some of the pressures on traffic using it.

It will also extend the life of the flyover for a further 60 years – and will reduce the need for temporary repairs works and closures, which have become a regular occurrence. The refurbished junction will also include new pedestrian and cycle crossings at the roundabout to make journeys safer for pedestrians and cyclists, while improved road markings and resurfacing should improve journeys for people driving. 

When is it happening?

Beginning at 9pm on Monday 23 June, the closure has been timed to coincide with the summer months, when traffic on the network is relatively lower than at other times of the year. The full closure enables the works to be completed as quickly as possible rather than a series of lengthy partial closures with ongoing disruption. TfL expect the works to be complete and the upgraded junction to open to traffic in September.

TfL is also collaborating with Essex and Suffolk Water to make best use of the junction closure, enabling them to complete essential water mains replacement works across four lanes along the A127 during the closure. This means local water supply will continue to be protected and further disruptions around Gallows Corner can be avoided.  

What is the Council's role?

Although these are TfL works, the Council is working closely with TfL to inform local residents and businesses and drivers who use the roads in the area – throughout the works – to mitigate the disruption that this will cause and ensure residents are aware of the project and its impacts.

We are also working hard to reduce disruption to Council services such as SEND transport and rubbish collections which could be affected due to the road closures.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “We have been lobbying for improvements at Gallows Corner for many years and we are pleased that works are now underway to refurbish the flyover. "There will clearly be some short-term pain during the closure as the Gallows Corner junction is a major artery used by residents, businesses and those travelling in and out of London. But these works mark a pivotal step forward for Havering. They will not only address urgent safety concerns but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and efficient transport network. “We’re committed to working with TfL to ensure this investment delivers lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and all who travel through our borough.”

Preliminary works ongoing

There is currently a series of temporary lane restrictions on the A127 Southend Arterial Road and A12 Eastern Avenue to/from Gallows Corner roundabout. These will reduce road widths from two lanes down to one.

All routes - including the flyover - remain open, except for some overnight closures. There are walking route diversions.

Major roads, approach roads and local roads will be very busy, so expect traffic queues and long delays. There is likely to be less disruption before 7:30am and after 7pm.

No general vehicle traffic will be able to make journeys through Gallows Corner in any direction during the full closure (from 9pm, Monday 23 June). You will still be able to get in and out of local shops and businesses, apart from Wax On car wash and Gallows Corner Motors which will not operate during the closure.

All major and local roads around Gallows Corner and the wider area will be very busy. Expect long queues and significant delays to journeys.

Visit the TfL website for full travel advice, diversion routes and more information.

TfL resident events

This week, TfL are holding a holding a series of engagement events to provide more detail and answer any questions you may have on the project. Check out the details below.

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