Reform-led Havering Council said the “nightmare is finally over” as Gallows Corner finally reopened to motorists after more than a year.

A “major renewal” of the busy flyover and roundabout that links London to Essex has been completed 15 months after it began, bringing to an end one of London’s longest-running roadwork sagas.

It had initially been slated to reopen in spring, but delays in replacing water mains saw the project pushed back for months.

Council leader Councillor Keith Prince said: “The nightmare is finally over for residents and businesses who have had to put up with months of unacceptable disruption at Gallows Corner.

“When I became leader [in May], I set a clear end date of October and have been pushing hard to make sure Transport for London and Essex & Suffolk Water complete these works and honour that commitment.

“I am pleased to see that they have finally fully reopened the junction and flyover this morning.

“We hope this finally marks the end of the disruption caused to local people, but we also know the pain suffered by businesses will be felt for a long time.”

Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that Gallows Corner Flyover has fully reopened following the completion of this major programme of works.

“We’d like to apologise to local residents, businesses and road users for the delays to these works and thank them for their patience while this essential project has been carried out.

“The flyover was originally built as a temporary structure and this work has secured its future for years to come, allowing us to remove restrictions and improve journeys for everyone who relies on this important route.”

Gallows Corner was opened in the 1970s and was nearing the end of its lifespan when TfL began the works last year.

Though Havering motorists can once again travel around the east, the council is set to continue its push for compensation.

“We wrote as recently as last week to [Mayor of London] Sadiq Khan and [Deputy Mayor of London for Transport] Seb Dance about compensation.

“I will keep pressing TfL for compensation for businesses affected, and for the council, whose roads have been impacted and damaged by larger vehicles being forced onto diversion routes that are not appropriate for their weight or size.”