Early benefits - Phase one
Hereford needs a bypass to stop the gridlock in the city. All through traffic has to go over just one bridge - utter madnessHereford resident
Phase one of the bypass provides a new 3km single‑carriageway link road connecting the A465 to the A49 to the south‑west of Hereford. This high‑standard rural road runs across open farmland between Grafton and the junction with the B4399, creating a direct, modern connection that reduces the need for commuter and freight traffic to travel through South Wye residential areas.
As the route ties into both the A49 and A465, it creates a strategically important west-east link on the southern edge of the city, improving access to key employment centres including the Hereford Enterprise Zone.
Phase one establishes the southern anchor point from which future phases could continue, subject to funding, planning and other statutory approvals west and north of the city while providing a new River Wye crossing.
Although the full value of the bypass will be realised when all phases are completed, the latest modelling indicates that Phase One alone provides a strong case for investment. Overall, early indications assess the likely benefit-cost ratio (BCR) at 1.8 – 2.5, meaning a “medium to high” value for money return. On current appraisal assumptions this means for every £1 spent, the project is expected to generate between £1.80 and £2.50 in benefits, including:
- Total monetised benefits of between £53.9 million and £77.4 million over the 60-year appraisal period.
- Approximately £47 million of these benefits are generated through travel time savings.
- The Hereford Enterprise Zone, a critical employment hub, is expected to benefit from improved access, strengthening its attractiveness to investors and employers.
Wider Phase One expected benefits include:
Transport improvements
- Modelled journey-time savings of approximately 6.5 minutes between the A465 and the Hereford Enterprise Zone at peak times.
- Up to 20% reduction in peak-hour traffic on the A465, with up to 1,158 fewer vehicles per day southbound and up to 908 fewer northbound.
- Up to 540 fewer vehicles per day westbound on Holme Lacy Road.
- Fewer vehicles on Walnut Tree Avenue, with 31% reduction inbound during morning peak hours.
- Expected improved bus journey-time reliability and enhanced conditions for walking and cycling.
Health and environmental benefits
- Reduced traffic volumes through Belmont, Hunderton, Red Hill, Putson and Lower Bullingham, improving the daily environment for residents.
- Expected noise reduction from traffic along Holme Lacy Road and for over 450 properties on the A465.
- An estimated 18 accidents avoided over the 60-year appraisal period, including 11 where slight casualties are saved.
- Reduce emissions by ~4,285 tCO₂e, equating to ~£0.95m in greenhouse‑gas benefits (2023 prices).
