Preparatory work starts on £45m bypass

Preparatory work on the first phase of a £45m bypass has begun, which a council says could ultimately help to create 14,000 new homes.

The first phase of the Hereford Bypass is to provide a new link between the A49 and the A465, and is designed to improve access from the south west of Herefordshire and South Wales.

Herefordshire Council said the scheme would help reduce traffic on Belmont Road, Walnut Tree Avenue, Holme Lacy Road and nearby rural routes currently used as shortcuts.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "Our priority is to ensure the scheme remains deliverable while providing value for money for Herefordshire residents."

He added: "There is a strong strategic and economic case for investing in the county's infrastructure, and significant public support for the bypass.

"When built it will unblock congestion in the city, unlock economic growth for the county and unleash Herefordshire's future."

Initial work includes site preparation, fencing, ground investigations, and drainage and pavement surveys.

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said in the long term the scheme would "form the anchor point" for the full bypass route to the West of Hereford.

And once delivered, the project could support up to 14,000 new homes and employment space for up to 10,000 jobs, the council said.

The progress comes as the cabinet prepares to consider an update on the project at its meeting on 24 September.

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