Drone photos have captured the latest progress at Gallows Corner as a further reopening update is expected this week.
Following delays to the reopening of the flyover at the end of April, Transport for London (TfL) is set to release an update on the project this week.
Gallows Corner was initially projected to reopen in September 2025 before being pushed back to spring 2026 and then narrowed down to April.
Photos taken via drone yesterday (May 4) morning show the flyover looking in the most complete form since it first closed for works.
Road markings including lane outlines and arrows have been painted on the asphalt.
Some building materials and construction vehicles such as two large yellow diggers remain and a large water pipe can be seen exposed in two places.
Where Southend Arterial Road meets the roundabout, opposite Costa Coffee, another stretch of pipework can be seen exposed via a large hole.
A shallow pool of water can be seen in the ground - which has a ladder to enter and exit with.
The latest disruption was caused by "additional work needed" to the water main, undertaken by Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) - which has been replacing the water system under the flyover.
ESW has since confirmed that a "leak" was found in the new pipe during the final testing stages.
On Friday (May 1), Blair Mitchell, ESW's asset management director said: "All significant planned TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) works at Gallows Corner have now been completed, and we are working around the clock to repair a leak identified during the final testing of the newly installed water main.
"Our teams have made significant progress this week and have managed to isolate sections of the pipe to safely allow TfL to explore the possibility of partially reopening the road.
"Further technical and safety checks are needed before TfL can confirm what will be possible, and TfL will provide a further update on this next week.
"We know how deeply frustrating this situation continues to be for local residents, businesses and road users and we are very sorry for the ongoing disruption.
"We remain focused on completing the remaining work safely and as quickly as possible, while protecting vital water supplies."
TfL's website also confirmed that an update will be issued this week, and that it is "urgently" working on a plan to reopen parts of the junction while ESW's repairs continue.
Scott Haxton, TfL’s director of capital delivery, previously told the Recorder: "We are working together with ESW to ensure this vital work can be done at pace and we are exploring whether a partial reopening may be possible in the meantime.
"We are very sorry for the further disruption this will caused to local residents and businesses, and we remain committed with ESW to confirm an opening date as soon as possible."
Share