The first vehicles are now using the new Rotherwas access road, bringing relief to long-suffering residents of Holme Lacy Road and easing transport for businesses in the area.
It means HGVs delivering raw materials to, and transporting finished goods from, Rotherwas now have easy access onto the A49, diverting noise and fumes away from homes along Holme Lacy Road.
Work began on the 3.5km long road, which links the eastern end of the Rotherwas industrial estate with the A49 Hereford to Ross-on-Wye at Grafton, early last year.
In recent weeks tie-in works have successfully been undertaken as programmed to ensure the new road joins seamlessly with the A49 at the new roundabout and allow traffic to start using the new access road by the end of June.
An official opening of the Rotherwas access road is being planned to take place in September to formally mark the completion of this important new link.
“This is fantastic news,” said Cllr Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation.
“The new road brings huge benefits to local businesses, residents and commuters. With the Rotherwas Futures project it demonstrates the council’s commitment to the area and will undoubtedly be the catalyst for more companies to invest and expand, bringing more new jobs to Rotherwas,” he added.
Whilst the new access road is open to traffic, some minor works in the area of the new roundabout still need to be undertaken and motorists are being advised that temporary traffic lights and a 10mph convoy system will be in place from 6pm on Tuesday, July 1 to 3.30pm the following day, Wednesday, July 2.
This system was in operation earlier in June and caused delays – motorists using this stretch of road are being advised to leave extra time for their journey.