The roadworks are causing chaos for local residents and businesses
A major East London junction is set to see construction work delayed beyond this month, according to Transport for London. Road works at the Gallows Corner junction in Romford, East London, have been ongoing for over two months, resulting in traffic misery across the town and leaving local businesses struggling.
The significant construction work, which involves the strengthening and refurbishment of the junction, affects the junction connecting the A12, A127 and Main Road in Romford. Since the end of June it has been closed to all traffic with the exception of emergency vehicles, black cab taxis and London buses.
Despite Transport for London predicting an end to the roadworks this month, “unforeseeable problems” with the ground and water main at the site have meant that construction will continue “beyond September” with no revised end date in sight, reports Essex Live.
Scott Haxton, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery, said: “The renewal of the ageing Gallows Corner flyover is essential to ensuring safety and reliability of the road network in Havering, and we’re working hard to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible. To avoid the inconvenience of separate future road closures in the area, we’re working with Essex and Suffolk Water, who are replacing an ageing water main at the same time as the work on the flyover.”
He continued: “While good progress has been made with the flyover renewal, unforeseeable problems with the condition of the ground around the water main have caused a delay to the completion of this water main replacement. Elements of the work across both the water main and flyover are now anticipated to continue beyond September.”
Mr Haxton added: “We’re working closely with Essex and Suffolk Water to complete the renewal of both vital pieces of infrastructure and minimise the impacts of the delay. We are very sorry for the disruption caused to local residents and businesses.”
Previously, Barry Mugglestone, Havering councillor responsible for the environment, expressed his concerns to TfL over the continued works as Gallows Corner plays a “key role” in keeping the Havering borough moving. He said: “We are extremely concerned if these works run over, and we are seeking reassurance from them on this. If they do run over, then we need to ensure that any additional costs are covered for the Council, residents and businesses.”
He continued: “The disruption these works have caused has been considerable throughout the summer months and we anticipate this will be further exacerbated with the return of schools and increased traffic volumes. The impact on local businesses, public transport, and council services is growing.”
Mr Mugglestone added: “We have received a high volume of casework and this continues. Compounding these issues has been a limited number of public updates from TfL since the works began.”
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