Essex and Suffolk Water has a new target to finish repairs to the Gallows Corner water main by the end of August 2026. This means Transport for London (TfL) could start the final resurfacing work shortly after, leading to a full reopening of the junction and flyover.

The completion date was previously delayed to mid-October. The new August target from Essex and Suffolk Water is a significant speed-up if it stays on track.

Gallows Corner, A127, at the eastern edge of Redbridge.

A confirmed reopening date from TfL. The junction has been partially open since May, but full reopening, which includes removing all diversions, has not yet been scheduled.

Almost 2,000 residents have signed a petition asking for compensation, including a partial council tax refund for each month that goes beyond the original September 2025 deadline. Havering Council, led by Keith Prince, who also serves as a London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, has given TfL a deadline of the end of October to fully reopen the junction.

Havering Council has stated before that it cannot lower council tax bills due to roadworks. The request for a refund is political pressure, not something that can be enforced legally.

TfL expressed that it was very sorry for the ongoing disruption.

Full article: Council tax refund demanded for flyover work delay

(Image: Peter Barrett)