Bypass will slash congestion, claims business case

A business case for phase one of the Hereford bypass has claimed congestion in parts of the city could fall by up to 25%.

It also said journey times between the city centre and Rotherwas could reduce by an average of six-and-a-half-minutes.

Herefordshire Council decided to publish the full document ahead of work starting on the route, which will link the A49 and A465 south of the city.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "One of the reasons we have produced a detailed business case is to demonstrate that the scheme represents good value for money."

About £45m has been put aside for the bypass, which will create an alternative route for vehicles to travel around the city.

The business case - which has been published by an infrastructure consultancy called AECOM - runs to 30 pages.

It forecasted that average daily traffic would fall by between 15% and 25% along Walnut Tree Avenue and the A465, both of which suffer regular hold-ups.

It also suggested a smaller drop in traffic of 7% along Holme Lacy Road, and listed "improved reliability of bus services" as one of the benefits.

Drivers would also benefit from reduced travel times between the A465 and Herefordshire Enterprise Zone, where 3,500 people work, of about six-and-a-half minutes.

The document also cited "quieter residential streets" as a benefit, with fewer drivers seeking to cut their journey times by using the well-known rat runs.

Price added: "Publishing the full business case is an important milestone in progressing the Hereford bypass.

"[It] sets out the benefits the scheme will bring, including improving connectivity, supporting businesses, unlocking growth and creating better places for people across Herefordshire.

"Delivering a scheme of this importance will require the support and involvement of the whole community.

"It represents an important first step towards a more connected and resilient transport network for Herefordshire."

The bypass has been divisive - residents have voiced concern over the cash-strapped council earmarking another £5m towards it, on top of the £40m that had already been committed.

The council is also in a legal standoff with a woman who is refusing to sell her land for phase one to start, due to an ancient tree in her back garden.

But bosses said they were confident work would still be able to start in December, with the first phase set to be complete in 2028.

Phase two, which would include a second river crossing over the River Wye to the west of the city, is subject to further funding and planning permission.

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