TfL has announced that Gallows Corner, a crucial roundabout connecting Romford and more central parts of Essex, that has been closed for almost seven months, will now reopen in Spring 2026.
The roundabout was closed in June 2025, and was expected to open on 1 September. Work has been ongoing ever since, causing traffic problems across the town and for businesses, says Essex Live.
The work is for major strengthening and refurbishment of the junction, that connects the A12, A127 and Main Road in Romford. It has been closed to all traffic bar emergency vehicles, black cab taxis and London buses.
The extensive works are set to completely overhaul the deteriorating 1970s structure of the Gallows Flyover, which was in dire need of replacement. TfL has assured that the project will enhance journey time reliability for the thousands who travel through the area daily.
In addition to the flyover renewal, the upgrade will include new pedestrian and cycle crossings to bolster safety and ease of crossing, while improved road markings and resurfacing aim to better driving conditions.
Despite the roundabout only set to be closed for three months, this ended up not being the case. Late last year, TfL briefed Havering council members and officers, informing them that they now expect the junction to remain fully closed until the project is completed in spring 2026 – meaning that the roundabout will have been shut for almost a year.
TFL’s website reads: “We now expect to complete Gallows Corner junction works by Spring 2026. The flyover will reopen to general traffic first, with the roundabout and surrounding roads reopening in the following weeks.
“Until then, the junction is closed to all vehicle traffic except emergency services, black cabs, and Transport for London buses, while works continue. Re-opening has been delayed by unforeseen problems completing a water main replacement that is being carried out at the same time, which has delayed some aspects of the flyover renewal.”
Following the announcement, Havering Council Leader, Councillor Ray Morgon, said:
“Following extensive pressure which included meetings with the transport commissioner and officers we now have some clarity on the revised timeline for the completion of the Gallows Corner flyover project. After months of uncertainty, it is encouraging to finally have a clearer sense of when this vital junction will reopen to our community.”
(Picture: TfL)
