Gallows Corner has been shortlisted for a major government cash boost following a long campaign by residents and local politicians.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling announced on Monday, October 1 that Gallows Corner has been shortlisted as one of the first five potential local road schemes in the government’s major road network programme.
The programme allows councils to bid for improvements to local A-roads and it’s part of the biggest road investment since the 1970s as each of the shortlisted schemes will be eligible for up to £50m of funding.
Mrs Lopez has been campaigning since June 2017 to improve the major junction after receiving representations from residents about congestion and safety.
“It is fantastic that the government has today announced this vital additional investment in our local road network,” she said.
“Shortlisted schemes were judged on their potential to unlock positive benefits to motorists and local communities, and Gallows Corner has long been a nightmare for people living nearby and drivers who pass through every day.”
Gallows Corner sits within TFL’s road network and responsibility for its improvement lies with the mayor of London.
Mrs Lopez, along with Keith Prince lobbied TFL’s head of road transport about Gallows Corner in a meeting she called at City Hall in July, 2017.
The Hornchurch and Upminster MP also made representations directly to the transport secretary in a recent visit to the borough.
Mr Grayling has now accepted Gallows Corner’s eligibility for additional funds, and TFL will be able to unlock millions of pounds worth of additional funding if it can make a strong business case for the investment.
Keith Prince, Havering’s London Assembly Member told the Recorder: “I’m delighted. Ever since I was elected I have been putting pressure on the mayor as one of the first things I did was to get the mayor down to Gallows Corner.
“You literally have to take your life into your own hands when you cross [Gallows Corner] either as a pedestrian or as a driver.
“It’s a very dangerous junction.
“I will be writing a letter to the transport secretary to make our case and to support the submission.”
In July 2016, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London went to see Gallows Corner in his first visit to Havering since his election.
He said any plans to improve Gallows Corner would need to be a partnership between the mayor’s office, TFL and Havering Council.
Mrs Lopez added: “Now that the cash has been opened up to TfL, I call upon Mayor Khan immediately to task his team with putting together a robust business case to unlock the extra funding.
“Today’s announcement shows that we are delivering on our commitment to invest in infrastructure to attract businesses and fix pinch points – opening up opportunities for local growth, creating smoother journeys, improving safety and reducing air pollution.”
Other shortlisted schemes include the Grizebeck Bypass in Cumbria, the A1237 in York, the A614/A6097 in Nottinghamshire and the A126/A13 in Thurrock.
Along with Gallows Corner, these improvements will be the first schemes delivered on the programme to tackle bottlenecks and traffic jams on England’s busiest A-roads.
Penny Rees, TfL’s head of network sponsorship, said: “The transformation of Gallows Corner would reduce danger for all road users, particularly the most vulnerable, such as people walking and cycling, as well as reduce congestion and improve air quality and bus reliability for everyone in the local area. “We are pleased that the project has been shortlisted for funding under the Major Road Network programme and we will continue to work with the London borough of Havering and the department for transport to make the strongest possible case for investment in the junction.”
Between 2015 and 2020, the government’s aim is to see £15.2 billion invested in more than 100 major schemes including helping to prevent 2,500 deaths or serious injuries on the network and reducing the noise impact on England’s motorways.
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