Julia Lopez MP has welcomed the full reopening of Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout, while stressing that outstanding questions about the project’s costs and delays must still be answered.
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the junction is now open to all traffic, with all remaining traffic management and diversion routes removed. The announcement follows the completion of major flyover refurbishment and water infrastructure works by Essex & Suffolk Water.
The reopening brings relief to residents, businesses and road users who have endured months of disruption. Julia has remained in contact with TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water throughout the works, pressing for reliable information and a firm timetable for completion.
Originally built as a temporary structure in the 1970s, the flyover has now been renewed, with all elements except its foundations replaced. TfL says the new structure will enable the removal of speed and weight restrictions. The project has also delivered new pedestrian and cycle crossings, resurfacing and improved road markings.
TfL has apologised to residents, businesses and road users for the delays.
However, Julia’s Freedom of Information requests remain outstanding with TfL. Her questions have sought clarity on the original and projected costs of replacing the water main, whether additional Department for Transport funding was sought, and the Mayor’s involvement in decisions about the project.
Mrs Lopez will continue pursuing answers, highlighting the importance of understanding how the works were managed and why the disruption lasted so long.
Julia said:
“The reopening of Gallows Corner is an enormous relief for everyone who has endured months of disruption, and for local businesses that have paid a heavy price. Residents have shown extraordinary patience through repeated delays and missed deadlines. They deserved better.
“I have kept pressing TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water for answers and a firm timetable. While I welcome traffic finally flowing again, reopening cannot mean drawing a line under what went wrong. There must be proper accountability for the delays and the impact on our community. I will continue pushing TfL for answers about costs and what went so wrong.”
“To that end, I still have a number of outstanding FOI requests with pressing questions on costs, compensation and accountability as my team and I work to hold the Mayor to account."
