Gallows Corner reopening update from Essex & Suffolk Water

The water company said it is "not yet in a position" to confirm a full reopening date for the major junction as teams continue repairs on its newly installed water main.

It comes more than a month after the partial reopening of Gallows Corner, on May 10, and follows claims of an autumn completion timeframe circulating online.

In its update, the Essex & Suffolk Water project team said: "We are continuing to progress repair work on the newly installed water main at Gallows Corner.

"This is a complex repair, and work is already underway within the existing area where there is access to the pipe network.

"We are aware that references to a mid-October completion date have been shared online.

"We are working hard to complete the repairs ahead of this timescale, but we are not yet in a position to confirm a final date and want to avoid sharing information that may later change.

"We continue to work closely together with TfL and remain focused on completing the remaining works as quickly and safely as possible, restoring full access to the road network and protecting vital water supplies."

Teams will start to remove part of the pipe that needs to be replaced from Saturday (June 27), the update added, with no changes expected to the current road access.

While some repair work will continue underground, "specialist components" will also be manufactured off site in order to complete the repair.

In a previous update on its project page, Transport for London (TfL) said that much of the water works will be carried out underground, meaning specialist teams "may not always be visible at street level".

When the Recorder asked TfL about reports of a potential mid-October reopening date for Gallows Corner, we were directed to a previous statement which said TfL is working "at pace" to update residents on the timeline.

A TfL spokesperson said: "Work at Gallows Corner is continuing as Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) progresses essential testing and commissioning of the newly installed water main.

"Significant work is taking place underground to ensure the network is safe and resilient.

"This work is being carried out in phases, allowing each stage to be completed thoroughly and safely, helping to protect vital water supplies and reduce the risk of future disruption.

"We are working closely with ESW to understand when the road can be safely opened, and we are working at pace to update residents on this timeline."