Phase one of Hereford Bypass scheme: council appoints contractor
Initial design and planning work commences with Graham leading the effort
Hereford is preparing for construction on the first phase of its long-awaited bypass as Herefordshire Council appoints Graham, a civil engineering firm, to undertake detailed design and early technical work.
The activities will pave the way for construction to begin by December.
Graham was awarded the contact following a tender process that started last year.
The project involves a new 3.6km single-carriageway road linking the A49/Ross Road–Rotherwas Access Road roundabout with the A465 Abergavenny Road.
It will include a series of underpasses, a bridge over the railway line, and provisions for walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and wildlife.
The primary goal is to create a direct route between the A49 and A465 to alleviate congestion in South Wye and improve transportation in Hereford.
Expected benefits include reduced journey times, enhanced access to Hereford Enterprise Zone, and support for economic growth.
The project is backed by AtkinsRéalis, which will provide multidisciplinary design including highways, civil, structural, and environmental services.
The full construction contract is expected to be awarded in the summer of 2026, with Phase One expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said:
"For too long, congestion and limited connectivity have held our county back. Bringing Graham on board means we are now firmly moving from planning into delivery. Completing Phase one of the Hereford Bypass is expected to deliver immediate benefits, including reduced traffic in South Wye neighbourhoods, improved access to the Enterprise Zone and enhanced network resilience."
Early contractor involvement is essential for a project of this scale and complexity.
The PCSA is valued at £1,859,960 with work scheduled to lead into a full construction contract later in the year, subject to final design completion, governance, and budget approvals.