Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has called on Transport for London (TfL) to compensate businesses and residents for the Gallows Corner works.
It follows more than a year of disruption due to the long-delayed roadworks which affected drivers, businesses, and residents across Romford.
Mr Rosindell said the impact was far greater than initially estimated by TfL, who originally planned for three months of disruption.
He said: "Nobody in Romford should mistake this for a job well done.
"Residents were initially told three months of disruption and have instead endured 15.
"That is over a year of lost trade, diverted school runs, hospital journeys, and businesses watching their customers drive elsewhere.
"If TfL can be believed this time, it ends this month."
Andrew Rosindell wants more compensation for businesses affected by the Gallows Corner works (Image: Charles Thomson)
The Gallows Corner junction, which closed in June 2025, is now expected to fully reopen by the end of September - 15 months after the initial closure.
The project saw multiple delays, with reopening pushed from September 2025 to spring 2026, then to the end of April 2026, and finally September.
Even with a partial reopening in May, the westbound flyover remained closed and parts of the A12 and A127 restricted to buses.
Mr Rosindell said temporary business rates reductions - confirmed in January and set to last until works are finished - are not enough to offset the losses.
He said: "Businesses on the Southend Arterial Road have had a temporary cut to their rateable values, and that is welcome as far as it goes.
"But a business that lost most of its custom has been given up to 20 per cent off a tax bill.
"That is not sufficient compensation for 15 months of lost trade and does little for the offices excluded from the scheme."
He has also called for full transparency on the project's final cost and a public explanation for the delays.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Recorder earlier this year revealed that the total cost of the works up until the start of February was £66.5 million - but the final figure has not yet been released.
TfL previously confirmed it will not be paying Romford businesses for a loss of passing trade as a result of the Gallows Corner closure, and has no plans to do so.
The Recorder understands TfL believes there is no legal basis for a compensation scheme, and that creating a one-off scheme would set a precedent for the rest of London.
A spokesperson for TfL said: "We’re incredibly grateful to residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these essential works at Gallows Corner have been carried out and look forward to fully opening the flyover by the end of the month.
"We recognise the significant impact the delays have had on the local community and have worked closely with businesses throughout the project, including providing regular updates, support with deliveries and ongoing engagement with Havering Council.
"This has been a complex project including a major strategic water main replacement by Essex & Suffolk Water.
"Delivering this work together has reduced the need for future disruptive work and closures and will provide long-term benefits for local people.
"This investment is essential to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the flyover and surrounding roads for decades to come."
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