We have received the following from TFL with regards to the latest update on Gallows Corner.
Good afternoon,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the work we – and Essex and Suffolk Water (ESW) – are carrying out in the Gallows corner area. I can confirm that we now intend to complete works by spring 2026. The flyover will reopen to general traffic first, with the roundabout and surrounding roads reopening in the following weeks.
Background
The renewal of the ageing Gallows Corner flyover is essential to ensuring the safety and reliability of the road network across East London. Gallows Corner flyover was built in the 1970s as a temporary structure and keeping it in good order is vital to keep our city moving.
To avoid the inconvenience of further disruptive closures in future, we have been coordinating with Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW), who are replacing an ageing water main at the same time as the work on the flyover. This pipe is critical in supporting water supplies for communities across north-east London. Coordinating complex programmes such as these is always challenging, however, it is the right thing to do to minimise disruption to London’s critical road network, and we have worked collaboratively with ESW throughout the planning and delivery of this project.
Delay to the work and our response
We previously confirmed that unforeseen problems with the condition of the ground in the area around the water main have unfortunately delayed works on the water main and some elements of the flyover. This delay was principally due to the very poor ground conditions and localised pockets of shale, which were encountered as part of works we agreed with ESW. These works involved diverting the 36-inch strategic water main which runs between the flyover’s foundations and needs to be diverted to facilitate the new flyover design. The presence of shale meant that the planned method of horizontal directional drilling to create a self-supporting tunnel could not be used as shale does not hold its shape to form a tunnel, preventing the pipe being pulled through.
Since these issues were encountered, we have been working at pace alongside ESW and Costain (our principal contractor) to finalise a revised integrated programme for the works. Planning a major multi-disciplined construction programme of this complexity takes considerable time and effort which we are collectively working to compress into a matter of weeks.
We have also been continuing our work on the renewal of the flyover, including resequencing our planned bridge installation works, and installing seven of the 13 individual sections at the western end of the new flyover bridge. We are also preparing for the start of foundation works at the eastern end of the bridge.
ESW have been working to redesign, plan and mobilise construction for diverting a 500 metre section of their water pipe in a heavily congested urban location. They have made good progress, completing the first of two phases of work within the roundabout itself, in line with the new target date. Work has now begun on the other stretch of the roundabout. ESW have also met another target date as part of work on the A127, next to the eastern flyover abutment, and with additional resources in place, good progress continues.
New plan for completing the works
This integrated programme will be completed in three phases. During the first phase Costain will complete the bridge sections over the roundabout, in parallel with ESW completing the installation of the water main under the roundabout.
The second phase will involve ESW working outwards from the roundabout to complete the eastern and western stretches of the water main, including navigating three culverts (large covered pipes used to carry fresh water under the roundabout). During this phase Costain will complete the foundation works for the flyover, as well as completing the final individual sections at the eastern end of the new flyover bridge. Costain will then carry out waterproofing and surfacing works to the bridge, allowing us to reopen the flyover to traffic in spring 2026. Access to the roundabout will not be available at this time, with the exception of existing exemptions.
During the final phase of works ESW will complete their water main diversion works, while also ensuring the old water main is left in a safe condition. Costain will complete their highway works to the A127, so that the roundabout and all surrounding roads can be opened.
While we know local people will be disappointed by the length of this delay, we are working with all parties to ensure that the extensive work required to complete this work is carried out with the least amount of additional disruption. This delay is a result of unforeseeable complications, including the complex interdependencies between the water main and flyover works, highly challenging ground conditions and the discovery of two uncharted gas mains, which both projects are required to work around.
We will continue to work to support local road users and businesses during this period, including regular project updates, assisted delivery arrangements, business continuity messaging and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders
Further information about timescales for the re-opening will be available early next year. Project updates and travel advice are also available via our dedicated webpages.
Harold Wood Councillors comment
“Naturally we as Councillors and residents are very angry, disappointed and upset with this further delay. We have written to the Mayor of London, TFL and to the Council asking them to confirm what actions are they going to take to ease traffic congestion in Harold Wood, the compensation available to businesses and residents and to provide firmer dates on the reopening. We await their responses”
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