The Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout in Havering have fully reopened to all traffic following the completion of major strengthening and refurbishment works, Transport for London has confirmed.
TfL said all remaining traffic management and diversion routes have been removed, with the flyover — a key link for drivers in Havering and across east London — now open to general traffic. The announcement was made on Monday (21 September).
The renewal of the ageing structure, originally built in the 1970s as a temporary structure, has secured its long-term future. All elements of the flyover except its foundations have been completely renewed and replaced, TfL said, allowing it to support London’s road network for decades to come.
The new structure will allow speed and weight restrictions to be removed, improving journey reliability for people travelling through the area and helping to support local bus services.
The project has also delivered new pedestrian and cycle crossings around the roundabout, making journeys safer and more accessible, alongside resurfacing and improved road markings.
TfL worked closely with Essex and Suffolk Water, which completed work to divert and replace a water main and distribution mains beneath the junction. Costain delivered the flyover strengthening and refurbishment works, as well as carriageway resurfacing and other improvements across the site.
Trade publication New Civil Engineer reports the programme cost £67.4m, with £54.3m coming from the Department for Transport’s Major Road Network programme alongside City Hall support.
The flyover had been subject to long-term speed limits and weight restrictions after serious deterioration and steel fatigue were found in the temporary structure, with TfL previously warning it would eventually be forced to close the flyover without substantial intervention. The reopening comes as TfL brings in an inflation-linked increase to Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel tolls.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that Gallows Corner Flyover has fully reopened following the completion of this major programme of works. We’d like to apologise to local residents, businesses and road users for the delays to these works and thank them for their patience while this essential project has been carried out. The flyover was originally built as a temporary structure and this work has secured its future for years to come, allowing us to remove restrictions and improve journeys for everyone who relies on this important route.”
