Traffic woes at Gallows Corner in Romford are set to ease by the end of May, according to Transport for London (TfL), which has confirmed that the ongoing water infrastructure works will be completed by then. The essential project, carried out by Thames Water, has caused significant delays and congestion on East London's busy roads, especially during peak hours.
The £1 million upgrade involves upgrading the vital water network beneath the road surface, a necessary step to prevent future bursts or leaks and ensure the long-term reliability of water supply. However, lane closures and temporary traffic management systems have been in place since January, leading to prolonged congestion and disruption for drivers using the A12 and A127.
Gallows Corner's strategic location as a key interchange connecting arterial routes like the A12 Eastern Avenue and the A127 Southend Arterial Road means its closure has a ripple effect on surrounding roads and communities across Havering. Local residents and businesses have been frustrated with the extended disruption, citing increased journey times and negative impacts on local commerce.
TfL and Thames Water have worked together to monitor progress and mitigate the impact of the works, implementing measures such as adjusting traffic signal timings and providing regular updates to the public. The organisations stress that these upgrades are crucial for maintaining the resilience of local infrastructure.