Gallows Corner roundabout to reopen by September after year-long water works
Transport for London will resurface the junction once Essex & Suffolk Water hands back the site at the end of August
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Gallows Corner roundabout in Havering will reopen to full traffic by September, Transport for London confirmed, following a year of disruption caused by water pipe replacement works. Essex & Suffolk Water has begun backfilling excavations at the site, with drone images showing progress on 16 August.
The water company said it expects to complete its final preparations this week, including commissioning a new main under the junction. Pressure and water quality tests were finished over the weekend, marking the last major technical step before the site is handed back to TfL.
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What happens next
Once Essex & Suffolk Water completes its works, TfL will take over to carry out resurfacing and final reinstatement. The transport authority has not yet confirmed how long these works will take but said it will announce a reopening date as soon as possible.
The junction has been partially closed since May, with only sections of the A12, A127, and the westbound lane of the flyover open. Essex & Suffolk Water said it is working closely with TfL to minimise further disruption while completing the remaining works safely.
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We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of local residents, businesses and road users while this vital work is completed, and we are pleased to be moving into the final stages of our works within the programme.
Essex & Suffolk Water spokesperson
Impact on residents and drivers
The works have caused prolonged disruption for drivers and local businesses. Photographer Peter Barrett’s drone images, published by the Romford Recorder, show some excavations near the roundabout already backfilled, while others further along Southend Arterial Road remain open with pipes exposed.
Both Essex & Suffolk Water and TfL have apologised for the delays. The water company said it remains focused on restoring full access to the road network as quickly as possible. TfL has not provided a timeline for its reinstatement works but confirmed it will share updates once available.
What residents can do
TfL has not announced any formal consultation or feedback process for the final reinstatement works. Drivers and residents can check TfL’s roadworks website for updates on the reopening date and any further closures. Essex & Suffolk Water has not indicated plans for additional works in the area once the current project is complete.
Questions this report answers
+When will Gallows Corner fully reopen?
The roundabout is expected to reopen by September, once TfL completes resurfacing and reinstatement works. Essex & Suffolk Water will hand back the site by the end of August, but TfL has not yet confirmed an exact date for full reopening.
+How long have the works at Gallows Corner been going on?
The pipe replacement works began over a year ago, with partial reopening in May 2024. The project has caused prolonged disruption, with only sections of the A12, A127, and the westbound flyover lane currently open to traffic.
+What is Transport for London’s role in the reopening?
TfL will carry out final reinstatement and resurfacing once Essex & Suffolk Water hands back the site. The transport authority has not confirmed how long these works will take but will announce a reopening date as soon as possible.
+Why were the works necessary?
Essex & Suffolk Water replaced pipework under the junction to protect essential water supplies. The company said the works were vital to ensure water quality and pressure for local residents and businesses.
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