Transport for London (TfL) has been unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of the long-delayed works at Gallows Corner, despite renewed efforts to gain clarity during a high-level meeting with Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, and local stakeholders on Monday.

Mrs Lopez met with London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, senior representatives from TfL, and Essex & Suffolk Water, as residents and businesses continue to face significant disruption caused by the ongoing closure of the Gallows Corner flyover.

Both TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water apologised for the protracted works, reaffirming that resolving the Gallows Corner disruption remains TfL’s top operational priority due to the severe impact on the local community and wider road network.

Officials explained that unexpected engineering challenges — including the discovery of unforeseen pockets of shale — have forced a major redesign of the project, significantly altering the original plans. However, TfL assured Mrs Lopez that contractor negotiations with Costain are not contributing to the delays.

TfL and Essex & Suffolk Water also emphasised that works have not been paused, with substantial off-site construction and continuous trial digs underway to determine the safest and most effective technical solutions.

TfL confirmed plans to reopen the junction in three phases, beginning with a partial reopening once the first stage of works is complete. The organisation has committed to providing a further update by the end of October, including a clearer indication of when the first phase will be delivered.

During the meeting, Mrs Lopez raised residents’ and businesses’ concerns about the prolonged disruption, pressing the Deputy Mayor to explore business rate relief through the Mayor’s Office and the Valuation Office Agency for firms suffering ongoing financial losses as a result of the works. She also shared community-led proposals to improve school transport and road diversions in the area.

In a coordinated effort to ease congestion, Havering Council Leader, Ray Morgon, confirmed that the Council will only consent to emergency roadworks during this period to prevent further traffic chaos.

Following the meeting, Julia Lopez MP said:

“Residents and businesses have been incredibly patient, but they deserve clarity on when this major junction will finally reopen.

While I understand that the project has become far more complex than originally planned, I pressed TfL for as much transparency as possible so people can plan ahead with confidence.

I also urged the Deputy Mayor to ensure more holistic support for local businesses through the Mayor’s Office, given the tremendous strain they are under.”