Gallows Corner reopening date - TfL yet to confirm

Sunday (April 19) marks 300 days since the roundabout and flyover closed to general traffic, but drivers still do not have an exact reopening date.

After the Gallows Corner project was delayed by "unforeseeable problems" with the water main replacement being carried out by Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW), TfL announced a spring completion timeframe, later narrowing this down to the end of April.

However, with just less than two weeks to go, TfL could not confirm a specific reopening date when pressed by the Recorder.

A TfL spokesperson said teams are still working towards reopening the junction by the end of the month, but will "confirm an opening date in due course".

The spokesperson said: "We are nearing the end of work at Gallows Corner and have now completed resurfacing works on the flyover and the roundabout, while Essex & Suffolk Water is nearing completion of all their construction activities and is currently testing the new water main.

"We continue to work towards reopening the roundabout and flyover by the end of April and we will confirm an opening date in due course." 

It is understood that ESW is currently testing, disinfecting and sampling from the new pipe to ensure it meets drinking water standards.

In its most recent newsletter published at the end of March, TfL said ESW teams are carrying out work through the night and on weekends to "ensure the best possible progress to meet the programme timeline", and have built time into the schedule to allow for retesting and resolving issues.

The latest drone photos of Gallows Corner showed the first road markings on the new flyover, and the roundabout underneath, following resurfacing.

As of April 13, asphalt has been laid on all but the two entry ramp panels on the bridge.

Other works still to go on the project include installing pedestrian crossings, road signs and street lighting, as well as the completion of crash barriers and bridge drainage systems.