Gallows Corner, Romford flyover refurb funding bid launched

The Gallows Corner flyover refurbishment has moved a step closer with the submission of a business case to the government.

Originally erected in the 1970s as a temporary structure, Transport for London (TfL) has previously said it is in need of “major repairs”.

TfL submitted a business case for funding to the Department for Transport (DfT) earlier this month.

The move was welcomed by Keith Prince, London Assembly member for Havering and leader of the Conservatives on Havering Council and has also been supported by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell.

“It has taken an inordinate amount of time, but at least we are getting somewhere,” he said. “Gallows Corner needs to be rehabilitated because the structure is knackered and if it doesn’t the consequences will be horrendous.”

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However, Mark Philpotts, coordinator for Better Streets for Havering, a community campaign group, was not convinced and said plans had been in the works for decades.

Mark also called for safer walking and cycling routes to be included in the refurbishment.

“We have heard it all before,” Mark said. “It would have been better to dismantle it and make it safer, but all that we ask now is something to make it easier for people to share the space with traffic.”

David Rowe, TfL’s director of investment delivery planning, said the body is working hard to secure the funding needed.

Mr Rowe added that TfL is proceeding with plans to refurbish the flyover and will continue to work on designs while the DfT considers the business case.

“This will allow us to progress the scheme as quickly as possible if funding is approved,” he said.

A draft business case was submitted by TfL last year, followed by two months of further investigations and surveys during September and October into the extent of the work required.