Motorists have been warned they face three months of traffic chaos as a major road project will cause restricted access to a vital route.
Transport for London revealed this week that it is preparing to completely close the Gallows Corner junction in East London from June 23 until September for major strengthening works.
The vital interchange will shut to all general traffic at 9pm on Monday, June 23, with both the flyover and roundabout closed for essential repairs.
The closure affects one of Havering's busiest junctions, where the A12 Eastern Avenue meets the A12 Colchester Road, the A127 and the A118 Main Road.
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The junction will be shut to drivers from June 23, with drivers forced to follow diversions
GETTY/GOOGLE MAPS
As part of the roadworks, only emergency vehicles, black cabs and TfL buses will be permitted through the junction during the three-month closure period, with walking and cycling routesremaining open throughout the works.
The closure will see roads shut with local access maintained between Gallows Corner and several key points, including the A12 Eastern Avenue to Pettits Lane and A12 Colchester Road to Gooshays Drive.
The A127 to Ardleigh Green Road, A118 Main Road to Upper Brentwood Road, and A118 Straight Road to Masefield Crescent will also be shut.
TfL has warned that roads in the local area and wider region are expected to be very busy throughout the closure period, with all vehicle journeys told to expect significant disruption.
The work has been timed to coincide with summer months when traffic volumes are typically lower.
TfL said the full closure enables works to be completed as quickly as possible, rather than implementing a series of lengthy partial closures with ongoing disruption.
Built in the 1970s as a temporary structure, the Gallows Corner flyover requires urgent renewal, according to TfL.
The ageing infrastructure currently operates with 20mph speed limits and 7.5 tonnes weight restrictions.
Scott Haxton, TfL's Director of Capital Delivery, said: "This complete renewal of the ageing Gallows Corner flyover is essential to ensuring the continued operational safety of road network in Havering for the years to come."
The strengthening work will allow TfL to remove the current restrictions in place as well as improve journey times.
Once completed, the refurbished flyover will include new pedestrian and cycle crossings at the roundabout, while improved road markings and resurfacing will enhance journeys for drivers.
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The closure is expected to impact traffic in the nearby area
TFL
But some local residents have expressed serious concerns about the impact on emergency services during the closure.
One resident commenting on the Upminster & Cranham Residents Association website, warned: "No ambulances will get through to Romford hospital, the same for fire and police services, people will die unnecessarily.
"Emergency vehicles have access to Gallows Corner but won't be able to get to anyone."
He criticised TfL's approach, stating that there has been no forethought with TFL "adopting a finger-crossed approach, I am amazed more people are not questioning this".
Another resident called the situation "absolute mayhem", asking "what if pensioners need an emergency service?There has been no common sense given to this".
The concerns highlight fears that while emergency vehicles can access Gallows Corner itself, they may struggle to reach residents through the gridlocked surrounding roads.
The restrictions will be in place until September for drivers
TFL
TfL has issued specific travel advice for the closure period. For longer journeys that don't stop in the Gallows Corner area, drivers are advised to use the M25 to access the M11 or A13 to complete their journeys.
For local trips, TfL recommends using buses rather than cars for more direct routes through the area. Bus routes 174, 496, 498 and 499 will continue operating through Gallows Corner during the closure.
All journeys should allow extra time, with TfL advising travel outside peak hours where possible, before 7.30am or after 7pm.
The transport authority has not provided specific diversion routes for local traffic, instead advising drivers to follow signed diversions.
Essex and Suffolk Water will also complete essential water mains replacement works alongside the A127 during the closure period.
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