Transport for London (TfL) has announced its plans to improve the notorious Gallows Corner flyover following funding approval from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The widely used flyover is a key road in the borough which has been due for an upgrade for many years.
Currently this means that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are unable to use it and there is a permanent speed limit of 20 miles an hour.
It also means that the road is often subject to maintenance, meaning closure and putting added pressure to the roundabout below and the roads in the surrounding area.
The TfL plans include a major strengthening and refurbishment of the current flyover during the summer. After refurbishing the flyover, it will be able to once again carry HGVs and the speed limit will increase to 30 miles an hour.
This will mean HGVs will no longer need to use the roundabout below the flyover and therefore relieving some of the pressures on traffic using it.
It will also extend the life of the flyover for a further 60 years and will reduce the need for temporary repairs works and closures which have become a regular occurrence.
In addition, there will also be changes to the lane layout on the roundabout which TfL say will improve traffic flow and safety at the junction.
The delivery stage of the project will include closures of the flyover and roads beneath.
That stage has been planned during the summer period, when traffic volumes are lower, to reduce impacts.
TfL are working closely with local stakeholders, and National Highways, to ensure mitigations are in place and a comprehensive Travel Demand Management campaign is implemented in advance of the works.
The Council will be working closely with TfL to inform local residents and businesses and drivers who use the roads in the area throughout the works to mitigate the disruption that this will cause and ensure residents are aware of the project and its impacts.
Some Council services, including SEND transport and rubbish collections, are likely to be affected due to the road closures.
The Council will work hard with TfL and contractors to minimise disruption.
Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“We have been lobbying for improvements for many years and we are pleased that there are now plans to refurbish the flyover.
"It will clearly lead to massive issues for the borough on our roads when it is closed as the Gallows Corner junction is a major artery used by residents, businesses and those travelling in and out of London.
"It will be a massive pain, but when completed, we hope that this investment will see improved journey times for all.
“However, we will continue to lobby for further improvements to the roundabout below the flyover as currently it is very difficult to navigate and for many it feels unsafe.
"TfL are listening to us, and whilst we welcome plans for new pedestrian crossings facilities, we look forward to seeing if there will be additional changes.
"Although we accept the fact that the junction will be better as HGVs will be able to use the flyover, we also hope there are no major delays to the works starting and finishing as that would cause absolute chaos in the borough.
"We will be working closely with TfL to ensure they deliver this project on time and with the least amount of disruption to residents as possible.”
Enabling works, including lane closures at the roundabout, are scheduled to begin from 10 March 2025.
Any questions or concerns in relation to the project should go to TfL.
You can find out more on the TfL website.