TfL told this paper that works to both the flyover and the water mains underneath the roundabout are expected to continue at least into October.
The delay comes after TfL repeatedly insisted Gallows Corner was “still on schedule” to reopen next month – up until as recently as last week when it issued a public update on the works’ progress.
Scott Haxton, TfL’s director of capital delivery, said in a statement that the delay has been caused by “unforeseeable problems” associated with the water main replacement being carried out by Essex & Suffolk Water.
Mr Haxton said: “While good progress has been made with the flyover renewal, unforeseeable problems with the condition of the ground around the water main have caused a delay to the completion of this water main replacement.
“Elements of the work across both the water main and flyover are now anticipated to continue beyond September.
“We’re working closely with Essex & Suffolk Water to complete the renewal of both vital pieces of infrastructure and minimise the impacts of the delay.
“We are very sorry for the disruption caused to local residents and businesses.”
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TfL is working to confirm a new completion date for the project as soon as possible, as spokesperson added.
Essex & Suffolk Water has been contacted for comment.
Councillor Barry Mugglestone, cabinet member for environment, previously wrote to TfL raising concerns that the works might run over.
He also asked for compensation from TfL to offset any additional costs and address the further disruption experienced by residents and businesses as a result of the delay.
In the letter, Cllr Mugglestone said: “The disruption these works have caused has been considerable throughout the summer months and we anticipate this will be further exacerbated with the return of schools and increased traffic volumes.
“We have received a high volume of casework and this continues.”
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He felt that these issues have been compounded by a “limited number” of public updates from TfL since the works began.
The council has also had to delay its own road improvements throughout Havering due to the Gallows Corner works, and is concerned about the knock-on effect of this.
The full closure of Gallows Corner started on June 23 and was initially expected to last until September.
TfL has been working alongside Essex & Suffolk Water, who are replacing an ageing water main underneath the junction at the same time as the flyover renewal.
This combined project was aimed to “avoid the inconvenience of separate future road closures in the area”, TfL said.
