TfL Traffic Order Extends Scope for Gallows Corner Restrictions Until Late September

Transport for London has put in place a new traffic order allowing traffic restrictions at Gallows Corner to remain in force until the end of September, as utility works and highway improvements continue at one of east London's busiest junctions.

The temporary order, which came into effect on 30 June and runs until 30 September 2026, provides the legal powers required to maintain road closures while Essex & Suffolk Water completes water main works alongside carriageway resurfacing.

Although the order does not confirm that every restriction will remain in place for the full period, it enables closures to be introduced or retained whenever necessary until the works are complete.

Major routes remain affected

The order covers several strategic approaches to the Gallows Corner junction, including sections of the A12 Eastern Avenue, A127 Southend Arterial Road, and the eastbound carriageway of the flyover.

In addition to traffic restrictions, pedestrians are prohibited from using sections of footway around the junction, including routes alongside the Gallows Corner Retail Park on both the A12 and A127, where construction activity continues.

The measures are intended to ensure the safety of both road users and construction teams while complex underground works are completed.

Essential utility works continue

Recent aerial images of the site have shown extensive excavation works around the junction, with large pits and exposed pipework highlighting the scale of the water infrastructure project currently being undertaken by Essex & Suffolk Water.

The utility works form part of a wider programme that has significantly affected traffic movements in the area over the past year.

Long-running disruption

Gallows Corner has experienced sustained disruption since the junction was fully closed in 2025 to facilitate major engineering works involving both the ageing flyover structure and underground water infrastructure.

A partial reopening in May 2026 restored traffic access to Straight Road, Main Road and the westbound carriageway of the flyover, easing some congestion while allowing work to continue elsewhere across the junction.

However, the remaining restrictions continue to affect motorists travelling through one of the capital's key strategic road intersections.

No confirmed reopening date

Despite the latest traffic order extending until the end of September, Transport for London has not confirmed when the junction will fully reopen.

Industry speculation has suggested works could continue into October, although TfL has yet to provide a definitive completion timetable.

Previously, Scott Haxton, TfL's Director of Capital Delivery, acknowledged the impact the project has had on local communities.

"We know how frustrating this situation continues to be for local residents, businesses and road users, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while we have been working with Essex & Suffolk Water to safely progress this work.

"We remain focused on fully reopening the road network at Gallows Corner, and supporting Essex & Suffolk Water to complete final testing and commissioning works as quickly and safely as possible, while protecting vital water supplies."

For now, the new traffic order provides the flexibility for work to continue through the summer, with the expectation that restrictions will only remain in place for as long as they are required to complete the final phases of the project.