Plans to replace the Gallows Corner flyover have received a boost with Transport for London (TfL) appearing to confirm government backing for their funding bid.

The Recorder has seen a letter from TfL to Havering and Redbridge London Assembly member Keith Prince in which it says its request for cash has been approved by the Department for Transport's Roads Investment Committee.

It writes that it is now awaiting ministerial approval and that it remains "fully committed" to delivering the scheme as planned subject to the confirmation of government funding.

The update comes after TfL applied to Havering Council in September for a "screening opinion for an environmental impact assessment in respect to demolish and replace the A12 flyover at Gallows Corner".

This was approved and the council told TfL its plan for a replacement bridge is not likely to have significant impact on the environment.

Read More: Gallows Corner flyover rebuild plan gets application boost

TfL's director of investment delivery planning, David Rowe, previously said: "We have assessed all options for its renewal thoroughly and are moving forwards with plans for a scheme which will refurbish and strengthen the flyover using the latest materials."

Welcoming the latest news, Mr Prince said he has written to roads minister Guy Opperman asking him to sign off on the funding at the earliest opportunity.

In June, Mr Prince said: “Gallows Corner needs to be rehabilitated because the structure is knackered and if it doesn’t the consequences will be horrendous.”

The Gallows Corner flyover, which connects A12 Eastern Avenue with the A127 Southend Arterial Road, was initially built as a temporary structure in 1970.

TfL has said it is “in urgent need of major repairs” and in November 2021 had warned that it could shut the flyover entirely without any government funding for its renewal.

The authority submitted a business case to the Department for Transport in June this year.